Technology abuse - Be aware of the dangers

The parents of most teenagers were not exposed to the dangers of the internet, or mobile telephones, while they were growing up. Moreover, this country was renowned for the level of censorship, which at times descended to the level of absurdity.

Those parents were thus protected as children but they should be aware that there are things now readily accessible on the internet or mobile phones that earlier generations could hardly have imagined.

Gerry Ryan has been highlighting the dangers of unsupervised teenage access to modern technology on his radio programme.

One caller told of finding frightening exchanges of sex messages on her 13-year-old daughter’s mobile phone, along with indications that about 150 other children were involved.

When it comes to the use of the internet, texting, or mobile phones, children are frequently much more proficient than their parents, with the result that parents need to pay particular attention and be aware of the dangers.

This is not about infringing the rights or privacy of children, it is about parents recognising their paramount responsibility to protect their children.