From the The Educational Technology: ICT in Education website
Articles on e-learning and information & communication technology containing practical advice
It's not about the technology: keeping children safe online
By Terry Freedman
Mon, 31 Mar 2008, 12:46
At the recent Naace 2008 strategic conference, Jim Gamble of the UK's Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre gave a powerful talk about the reality of child abuse, and what the British police are doing to combat it.
During his talk, Jim showed two videos, one at the start and one at the end. Although I don't have access to the whole presentation, I've tracked down the videos, and have included them in this article in the order in which they appeared.
The content of his talk was very hard-hitting. He does not mince his words, saying that "in a room of this given number, I won't be surprised if there are some with a deviant sexual interest in children".
The talk draws a sharp distinction between "pornography" and "abuse". Words are important, says Jim, and we shouldn't help child abusers to legitimate their activities by calling what they do by anything other than what it is.
Although nothing explicit was shown, and very little described, I found the talk rather disturbing -- which, of course, it was meant to be. Important messages include:
"This is not about the technology, it's about real children".
"If you are seduced by the technology, you will never make a difference".
"Be judged by what you do, not by what you say. Do something positive."
CEOP provides resources and training as well as information. Do visit their website, download resources, such as the guidance for parents and the guidance for teachers, register for training, as some of the materials cannot be used unless you have been trained.
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First video: