This was Dalli's main message as she addressed the ICT Coalition conference in Brussels. ICT Coalition brings together the major companies in the industry, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, Ask.fm and NGO's working for online safety and against cyberbullying.
Dalli stated that the internet is a venue of positive opportunities for our children, a tool which can lead them to access knowledge, communicate, develop their skills and improve their future job prospects and employability.
However research shows that as many as 38 % of 9-12 year-olds in Europe who use the internet said that they have a personal profile on a social networking site while only 56 % of 11-12 year-olds say they know how to change their privacy settings.
"With regards to online safety, it is necessary for education to start in early childhood. We need to advise children and young adults on how to use tools that are age appropriate that would help them act safely and responsibly online. Parents need to discuss web-related issues openly with their children before resorting to imposition. The first thing that children need to learn is that what they share online will stay there forever and can haunt them in years to come."
Dalli stated that dealing with cyber-bullying can only be successful through a joint effort by teachers, parents, grandparents, academics, the industry, psychologists, national governments and European institutions.
"There is much more that we can do; industry especially can do much more. Parental controls, content rating and reporting of harmful content can be further developed. I would say that the general aim is to establish a framework for achieving tangible results. As a new parent myself I also look forward to harsher penalties against those who take advantage of our kids when they are online."
Dalli discussed ideas of practical campaigns which can be developed with the main companies participating in the event: campaigns which are results oriented. However she clearly stated that if such results are not achieved she will be the first to advocate resorting to more legislation including new EU laws.
"This is a noble cause that transcends any differences we might have, it also transcends financial gain", Dalli concluded.
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Quelle/Source: Malta Independent Online, 13.12.2014
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