Safer Internet Day - 10th Feb 2009
Half of Europe's teenagers browse the web with no parental oversight or supervision, a survey suggests.
The research into the web habits of 20,000 14 to 19-year-olds across Europe found that 51% enjoy unfettered access to any and every website.
The MSN research also found that 29% of the teenagers it quizzed have suffered bullying while using the web.
It comes as the EU marks Safer Internet Day with pledges from 17 social sites to do more to protect younger users.
The popularity of social networking sites such as Bebo, MySpace and Facebook among youngsters has helped them become sophisticated web users, said Mr Mangelaars.
"But," he added, "they still need help and guidance on how to tackle emerging issues such as online bullying.
Social networking and other new forms of communication may help the bully taunt his or her target; but in order to combat cyberbullying what is paramount is an awareness of the possible consequences. The bullies' excuses that "what started as a prank went too far" or that they "never meant any harm" can only be tackled by showing what harm is caused by this anti-social behaviour. Reasons enough, we hope, why Insafe through the medium of Safer Internet Day is focusing this year on social networking and cyberbullying.
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