Young Facebook users 'are vulnerable online' (From Worcester News)

Young Facebook users 'are vulnerable online'

4:10pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News

VULNERABLE: Children as young as eight years old are using social network site Facebook, a police survey has revealed.

ONE in three eight-year-olds who took part in a West Mercia Police survey admitted using Facebook – despite the minimum user age being set at 13.

Nearly 9,000 children have taken part in the online survey set up as part of WES (Worcestershire E Safety) last year.

The results show that nearly 80 per cent of those surveyed are on Facebook, but despite the social networking site setting a minimum age of 13, 62 per cent of 11-year-olds and 35 per cent of eight-year-olds admitted having a Facebook account.

Police say that worryingly this means those children are lying about their age, making them more vulnerable.

The survey also found that 96 per cent of children feel safe on the internet.

Although 17 per cent of those said they had concerns about people they had met online, a quarter of them did not tell anyone about it.

The survey provides safeguarding boards with vital information about what children are doing online.

It is hoped that, eventually, every child in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire will complete it.

Yesterday, West Mercia Police and the four local safeguarding children boards across West Mercia (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire) used Safer Internet Day 2012 to urge parents to talk to their children about their online activity.

The theme for this year’s Safer Internet Day was ‘Discovering the digital world together safely’, which aimed to explore the challenges of parenting in an online age.

Detective Superintendent Martin Lakeman, head of public protection at West Mercia Police, said: “It’s important parents, professionals and carers aren’t intimidated by how their children are using technology. As a parent myself, I know how challenging it can be. Where do you go to find out about the internet, what questions do you ask and will you understand or even like the answer?

“For the first time, there is somewhere you and your children can find the answers to these questions.

“Last year we launched WES, which is a one-stop shop for all the best national resources around the internet and how to stay safe online.

“It covers important aspects such as social networking, gaming, mobile phone technology and cyber bullying. It’s a great resource to explore together with your children.”

DS Lakeman expressed concern about the number of under-13s setting up Facebook accounts.

He said: “This is very concerning because children are claiming to be older than they are, which means they are at a greater risk of coming into contact with sexualised language and behaviour. I would urge all families to take a look at WES, and get to know the SMART rules which will help you enjoy the internet safely.”

WES can be visited at wes.networcs.net

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