Search Engines
Search engines such as Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo are incredibly useful and necessary tools in navigating the 2 billion odd websites out there to find the information you need. However, using them doesn’t come without its own dangers.
The main issue with these is the ever-changing nature of the World Wide Web, and although they all have ‘Safe Search’ features, they are never quite 100% full proof. This is particularly the case with google image search; as it is essentially just showing a preview of a site rather than opening it, the occasional inappropriate or offensive image can sneak through. Image searching can also present a problem with other such images that although aren’t deemed particularly offensive, can still be upsetting.
An example of this is searching for something like ‘Momo’, an internet hoax from a few years ago. Although the pictures brought up don’t fit into specifically into any category for being inappropriate (and thus avoid all web blockers and safe-search protocols), they can still be frightening and upsetting for children to view. Please take a look at the attached guide, which outlines a few of the risks, suggests a few helpful tips for staying safe and most importantly advises on the best way to keep an eye on exactly what your children may have been searching.
As always, if you have any questions or would like any help with this, please just ask.
