Why is it Important for Children to Analyse Internet Based Information?

Children need to be aware that information on the Internet may not be reliable - even if it appears as such.

A sense of 'thinking about the information before doing anything with it' needs to be developed or else they may needlessly experience:

• Worry about situations which may not be true
• Fear from biased or exaggerated reporting
• Anxiety for what might happen next
• Depression about something they take personally
• Sadness from something that upsets them

Unreliable information may appear through web sites, emails or even peer to peer networks. Similar problems may therefore arise, so it pays to be cautious with whatever information you find online.

With guidance by parents on how online information is viewed and used, children will be better placed to decide on whether the information they find is either reliable or unreliable.