Important News for Facebook Users
Facebook has announced it will provide a way of reporting abuse to the UK Child Exploitation, Online Protection Centre (CEOP). It will be as an application (app) to download rather than built into the main page and it means that children can report anything they are uncomfortable with.
One installed, the application appears on their homepage to say "they are in control online".
Ceop, the government law enforcement agency whose task it is to track down online sex offenders, called for a panic button to be installed on social networking sites last November. Facebook has resisted that call until now.
It is thought by Ceop that the ability to download the application is the first step towards putting the button directly on Facebook. Facebook are reluctant to put the button directly on the site, as they believe people like to design and be in control of their own Facebook page.
Facebook users who add this application will have direct access to all the services on the ClickCeop button and will integrate reporting into both Facebook and Ceop's systems. Users will still have the Facebook reporting system and it makes all of your friends aware too, and acts as a viral awareness campaign.
It is well worth adding this application as a safeguard and a speedy link to the authorities if at any time you are using Facebook you are worried or concerned about anyone or anything on the site.
In addition to the online reporting app, a new Facebook/Ceop page is being set up, with a range of topics that, it is hoped, will be of interest to teenagers, such as celebrities, music and exams. It will link these subjects to questions about online safety.