With the UK and other Western countries considering new policies for online safety, I've been brainstorming ways to provide a safer internet for children without impacting adult users. Just like we have playgrounds in the real world, dedicated children's programs on radio and TV, and special sections in libraries, why can't we apply similar concepts online? I'm curious if we could establish a separate network specifically for kids—a kind of 'children's internet playground.' Are there existing technologies, like advanced profanity filters and moderation systems, that could support this idea? I want to know the feasibility and potential challenges of creating such a space for kids online. How practical is this idea, and what would it actually take to make it happen?
2 Answers
You could technically create a site like 'internetforkidsonly.com' and ensure that all content is manually vetted. This could be done for different categories like movies, games, and books. But then we run into the problem of defining what's appropriate for different ages. For example, a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old have very different needs. Plus, content approval can be a messy debate depending on various cultures and values. And by the way, profanity filters alone don't solve everything—just look at the Scunthorpe problem!
I'm a bit skeptical about this whole idea. Creating a separate internet for kids sounds like a pedophile's dream come true, honestly. The risks of abuse are pretty high, and I can't imagine any investors wanting to touch this concept with a ten-foot pole.
I see your point; that's definitely one of the concerns.
Yeah, it feels like a recipe for disaster. It's like bringing back AOL but with way more risks!