194 reports of internet abuse
February 13, 2012
Since February 2011 the Appoġġ hotline team has received 194 reports of internet abuse, of which 131 came through the online reporting system on www.appogg.gov.mt, while 63 reports where received through calls on Supportline 179. These reports included cases of cyber bullying, grooming or sexual harassment, sexting, issues related to privacy, media education, internet addiction, and illegal content.
This was announced by Appoġġ during Safer Internet Day, which was
celebrated last Tuesday across Europe to promote safe and responsible
use of the internet by children and young people. Appoġġ forms part of
Insafe – a European network of awareness centres promoting safe,
responsible use of the internet and mobile devices by young people.
To mark the day locally the Appoġġ hotline team organised activities
in two schools during which about 230 students took part in a board
game, discussion groups and quizzes aimed at promoting responsible use
of the internet. Topics covered included internet safety tips, online
risks such as cyber bullying, and where to get help.
A spokesman for the Appoġġ hotline team said it was important for
parents to play an active role in their children’s digital lives by
keeping themselves informed about the various dangers their children
might be subject to over the internet and the protection available.
“Minors’ behaviour online can put them into unwarranted risks.
Without the proper parental guidance, the internet might become harmful
to the unsuspecting child. More awareness about the possible
consequences of risky behaviour is required,” the spokesman said.
The hotline team regularly organises activities in schools and other
entities as part of the ‘Besmartonline’ project to create more awareness
about safer internet use.
The project is run by the Malta Communications Authority in
collaboration with Appoġġ, the Commissioner for Children, the
Directorate for Educational Services, the Secretariat for Catholic
Education, and the Malta Police Force.
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