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Common problems
While there can be valuable information taking place in newsgroup
discussions, there can also be a lot of useless or disturbing content.
Obscene material is common in some newsgroups, while other groups
have been used for criminal activity such as exchange of child pornography.
If you or a child you know comes across illegal material in a newsgroup,
report details to the Police or the Internet Watch Foundation so
that they can take action to remove the material and pursue the
criminals involved.
Trivial, inaccurate or false information is widespread, as there
is no quality control on the things that people write. Finding real
and accurate information that you want can be very time-consuming
and frustrating, even with a newsgroup archive service like Google
Groups.
Don't believe everything you read online. For example, there have
been cases of criminals trying to affect share prices by spreading
false information in newsgroups.
Schools usually deny most pupils access to Newsgroups, on the basis
that there is a lot of undesirable content found there and that
taking part in the discussions has limited educational value. Community
venues such as public libraries may take similar action.
At home, parents may not know that their children are using newsgroups,
as it would not appear separately on a phone bill and the newsreader
software might not be obvious on the computer without knowing what
you are looking for.
Talking with children about their Internet usage is the best way
to develop your own knowledge and find out if your family are using
newsgroups and experiencing problems.
In particular, young people need to be reminded to keep their personal
information confidential, and not give details away without thinking.
Think of it like this; contact might be made with people who intend
to abuse your trust or harm you. An offer in a newsgroup, such as
concert tickets at a great price, may well be too good to be true;
if you send your email address and credit card details to an email
address given in such a message, you are making yourself vulnerable.
Also, remember to be careful about what you say in discussions
that are available to a worldwide audience. False or inaccurate
statements online about people or companies, that damage their reputation
or interests, still can lead to legal action in the courts.
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