Building fences is not enough for child security in the digital age
e-Children at risk from people sticking their heads in the sand
Much of the activity associated with child protection in the United Kingdom is back to front, tracking down situations after they have
occurred. In the digital arena picket fences have been erected around
schools by the use of website blocking tools. This succulently deals
with the statutory responsibility of local education authorities for
'safe environments' but completely misses the current nature of
mobile internet technologies.
Although there is much discussion about the health risks associated
with mobile technology and children, the fact is that children as young
as five years old do have real mobile phones. They have full access to
the internet and all types of media online, weather they understand it
or not. There remains much to be done regarding the security of young
people in this digital age, but collectively sticking heads in the sand
will create bigger problems in society later.
Recent research into the social context and use of mobile phones and
PDA's by AIU with children shows that sounds, images and video clips
have created their own sub-cultures. In opposition to organisations
like the Scout movement which develops character and opportunities
these cultures set limitations and boundaries upon children. Defining
the aspirations of a child by technology alone may in the long run
provide a technically adept workforce, but the cost is a loss of
ingenuity, creativity and adaptability.
Is security in the digital age in the best hands? Are the potential
problems and benefits really understood, no! Not really. Further
research is needed from both statutory bodies and commercial companies
throughout United Kingdom to understand these problems and make
considered assessments on the future of Britain's e-children.
In context research
There are many companies offering usability evaluations, but few providing contextual usability.
There are many companies offering usability evaluations, but Activity, Interaction and Usability Limited (AIU - Edinburgh, London and Glasgow) is the first commercial contextual usability consultancy in the United Kingdom.
While any kind of testing is better than none, usability testing out of context is like testing a car on water, it gives some basic information and not a lot more. If performance and use are important at all, then testing should take place in an environment standard to the expected users.
In practice this means testing children's games at their homes, schools or clubs. Testing e-commerce websites at work, on mobile phones, PDA's (on the bus, train, plane), internet cafes and in the home. Testing software in call centres, oil rigs, supermarkets, small shops, banks anywhere that they are designed to be used.
Can anyone honestly say that their environment does not affect what they do and how they do it. An extreme example would be stock traders using complex software, telephones and chatting to their colleagues while working within a constant stream of information that changes their activities, focus and effectiveness. Not only does context define how long things are used but it restricts attention span, acceptance of navigation and take-up.
