IT and society: “Safer Internet for Children and Youth” declaration

The “Safer Internet Year” in Russia has come to an end providing information for reflection. Thus, over 50 events aimed at popularization of safer Internet use by children and youth have been carried out within the framework of the project.

Over 9693 messages have been processed, 3653 addresses with content, containing children pornography have been detected, content from 3258 resources have been partially or completely deleted.

According to the poll, carried out by the "Internet Development foundation” in 17 regions of Russia, among 4338 pupils aged 14-15 47% surf the Internet on a regular basis. In the age group of 16-17-years youth there are 53% regular Internet users. Meanwhile 48% young Internet users are city residents, 52% live in rural areas.

According to the figures of the “Public Opinion” foundation and VCIOM (All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center), 90% children are regular Internet users, while among adults there are only 30% of those who surf the Internet regularly.  54% teenagers consider Internet to be dangerous for their health. Every 8^th pupil suffers from Internet addiction.

The Declaration “Safer Internet for Children and Youth” was signed on Tuesday. It aims at focusing the attention of publicity, a state and business community to the problem of safety of children and youth on the Internet.

However, there is no such a browser, filter or public committee responsible for “struggle with bad guys” which can replace a mom or a dad, says the Declaration.