4 March 2005

78% of Auckland families have household rules regarding Internet use

Results compiled in February 2005 from a survey carried out by ECPAT NZ indicate that Auckland families are becoming aware of the dangers associated with Internet use. 78% of parents, who completed the survey, stated they had household rules in place regarding their families Internet use.

Alan Bell, Director of ECPAT NZ, commends parents for taking appropriate steps to protect their children from online hazards. He believes that being aware of the dangers and putting safety measures in place can help protect children and young people from exploitation by harmful and abusive individuals or groups. Bell states that, of the parents who completed the survey, all parents accepted that there were dangers associated with Internet use. These were listed as sexual predators (31%), pornography (29%), gambling (14%), e-crime (10%), bullying (10%), extremist groups (5%) and other (1%).

Bell feels that although public awareness may be increasing, it is not a time to become complacent about online safety. The concern is that 22% of families surveyed do not have household rules to provide Internet safeguards. Children and young people will always remain an extremely vulnerable group and it is the responsibility of adults to protect them as much as possible. Bell recommends good communication and a set of fair household rules regarding Internet use as a starting point for providing a safe environment. He suggests that Internet safety should become as commonplace as water and road safety.

ECPAT NZ is part of a global network protecting children against commercial sexual exploitation.

ENDS

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