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Danish children engage in a dialogue on issues related to Safe Internet Day 2007 and 2008
As many of you probably remember, the theme of Safe Internet Day 2007 was “The Power of the Image”. It sparked a lively debate in our forum at www.cyberhus.dk, and the debate continues. Knowing that it is becoming increasingly easy for children and teens to snap a personal photo and upload it on the net, we decided to investigate this issue further by asking the children to relate their experiences with using photos on the internet. |
Moreover, we wanted to find out if young people today believe that being online constantly via SMS, MSN and e-mail is a prerequisite for social success. Thus, we posted the following questions for discussion on our socio-pedagogical meeting place for children and teens, cyberhus.dk:
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Question nr. 1: Images
Imagine you’re about to upload a photo of yourself, say, on Messenger or on a homepage.
What kind of photo would you choose to upload and why? Is there a specific type of photo that you would never even consider uploading? |
Here are a few of the numerous statements we got from the kids in response to Question 1:
- “Tolly and Peter” replied:
I would probably upload my photo so that people can see what I look like and perhaps then they would like to get in touch with me.
I wouldn’t upload a photo of someone else because I don’t want to deceive people I don’t know.
- “jammo” replied:
We are two girls who don’t want to upload our pictures because people shouldn’t be able to see us. We wouldn’t mind uploading photos of our pets.
- “Kathrine and Rikke” replied:
No…it’s not okay to upload photos of other people on the net, and the same thing goes for nude photos but it’s ok to upload ones own photos on MSN….
- “Regina and Sarah” replied:
It’s not okay to upload a photo of someone else without permission, it would be totally unacceptable.
Summary:
The majority agree that uploading a personal photo is okay as long as it is a “normal” portrait photo showing only the face. However, a surprisingly high number think that it’s best to avoid uploading a photo on the internet where everybody can see it. Instead, most of the recipients prefer to upload images on MSN where only their friends and family will have access. Finally, most of the kids are very aware of one of the basic principles of netiquette: Uploading images of other people without their permission is morally wrong and should be avoided.
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| Question nr. 2: Always online?
Is it important to be online constantly? Do you feel like an outsider or left out when you are not online? |
Here is a selection of some of the responses pertaining to Question 2:
- “Anonymous” replied:
No, because if one is online constantly, one wouldn’t have any spare time, and I don’t feel left out.
- “Quynh & Anna” replied:
It’s not important to be online all the time. No, I don’t feel lonely!!!
- “Muzze and Musser” replied:
We prefer spending time with our friends over writing an sms, chatting and MSN!
- “nanna and johanne” replied:
We don’t feel left out when we’re not online and we don’t think one has to be online all the time, it’s a waste of money and electricity!!!
Summary
None of the children who participated in the debate see any point in being online day and night. The children find it more worthwhile to talk, play and have fun with their friends and schoolmates IRL than to chat with people in cyberspace. What is perhaps even more important is the fact that none of the children feel left out in the cold when they are not online. In fact, they are very sceptical to the idea that constant accessibility is necessary in order to avoid isolation.
| Published: |
Thursday, 21 Feb 2008 |
| Last changed: |
Monday, 3 Mar 2008 |
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