9 May 2006

A new survey into how teachers in Britain deal with Internet safety has revealed that 70 per cent think they are undereducated on how to deal with any problems resulting from their pupils' Internet use.

More than half said they would have no idea where to go if a child got into trouble while online. In addition, 80 per cent believe that Internet safety should be part of the national curriculum.

However, just four per cent think they are ultimately responsible for the welfare of a child when on the Internet, compared to almost half saying it is up to parents and 20 per cent naming internet service providers.

The survey was sponsored by a number of organisations including BT, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, the Internet Watch Foundation, Get Safe Online and Yahoo!.

Gavin Patterson, group managing director at BT Retail, said: "This research demonstrates that there is more education needed to give teachers the tools to help them deal with the problem.

"It is critical that teachers, parents and children are not only made aware of the risks, but given advice on what to do when something happens or if they suspect something."

© Adfero Ltd

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