Do Social Networking Sites Resist in Using the Advertisement Space to Add Panic Button?
Several recent studies and surveys have shown that about 40% of social networkers are cyberbullied in some way. To keep the youngsters safe online, the Child Exploitation & Online Protection(Ceop) center recommended social networking sites to add a “Ceop report” button. The button enables users to report online abuse, bullying and illegal activity as well as offering advice about hacking and viruses. Bebo, a social-networking site provides this panic button.
Jim Gamble, head of the Ceop Centre in UK, said Facebook and MySpace could do more to keep youngsters safe. He said he was disappointed the two internet giants have not adopted a panic button for children who fear they are at risk. Mr Gamble said some sites claimed technical issues block the button, while others suggest companies do not want to lose a potentially-lucrative advertising space.
Sir Hugh Orde, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, also said: “I can see no reason why other sites would not consider adopting the same approach and would encourage them to embed the Ceop Report button for the benefit of all users.”
A Facebook spokesman, on the other hand, explained: “The safety of Facebook users is the top priority for the company, which is why we have invested in the most robust reporting system to support our 300 million users.We also work closely with police forces in the UK and around the world to create a safe environment. Our teams are manned by trained staff in two continents giving 24-hour support in 70 languages.We look forward to hearing about the experience of Bebo using the Ceop button and will take account of their experience in any future evaluation of our reporting systems.”
