The following is a guide to show how My Online World (MOW) deals with security issues on site. We have set this out in an easy to read FAQ format but if any of your queries are not answered you can submit your query here.
Q: What is being done to ensure that my son/daughter/pupils do not come into contact with adults posing as children on your site?
A: We have compiled a set of guidelines which are clearly visible onsite at all times, informing members of the best way to stay safe online. Specific advice includes recommending that users don't ever give out personal details or ask other members to publish theirs. We also actively encourage members to report any suspicious behaviour or conversations that concern them to the MOW team themselves, using a safety button.
In addition to the above, we have a team of moderators who keep a close eye on all content posted throughout the site, including on blogs, comments, the thought tree or within chatrooms.
We can block users' access to the site at any time. Our software enables us to detect the IP address from which the user has registered allowing us to ensure that the same user cannot simply just log on under a different name.
On the rare occasion where a moderator is unable to check the site the social networking facilities are switched off. Any posts made during this time are held securely until they can next be checked by a MOW moderator and published on the site if they comply with our house rules.
Q: What about MOW staff/moderators?
A: All staff members and moderators undergo CRB and child safety reference checks and must complete comprehensive training before being allowed access to the site. All correspondence is strictly controlled and any staff member/ moderator found disregarding our house rules will be disciplined and if necessary dismissed.
Q: How do you stop my son/daughter/pupils swapping personal information online with other MOW members?
A: It clearly states in our terms and conditions of site use that MOW users are not allowed to post any personal information on site including email/ msn addresses, telephone numbers or personal addresses. We monitor the site on a regular basis throughout each day so pick up and remove any personal material from the site promptly. Offenders are given a written warning in the first instance and have their membership suspended if they re-offend.
Q: How do you stop a third party, such as an older sibling/parent/friend from accessing the site through a stolen username and password?
A: To become a registered member of the MOW site members have to sign our terms and conditions which clearly state various rules of usage, which includes not allowing members to give out any personal information online or share their password with anyone else.
We monitor the site throughout the day and will respond immediately to any breaches of the rules and investigate issues of concern. We are unable to offer a 100% guarantee that any user will stick to our rules but anyone found breaking the rules is sent a written warning. If they re-offend their membership is suspended and they are no longer able to access the website.
Q: What if another MOW user calls the administrator posing as another user and asks for their password?
A: As with any other secure online service we have incorporated security questions as part of the MOW registration process. Anyone calling to ask for their password would need to answer these to the satisfaction of the administrator before any log in details were given out or discussed.
Q: What happens if my son/daughter/pupil is being bullied by others through the site?
A: Because we monitor the site throughout the day we can pick up any potential bullying behaviour early and nip it in the bud. MOW users can also report any posts that they feel are unacceptable by using the safety button on the site in confidence. A reported post will be removed from the site immediately.
Bullying online breaches the MOW membership terms and conditions of use. Those who break the rules are sent a written warning in the first instance and if they re-offend their membership is revoked and access to the site denied.
Q: What happens if a child says they are being bullied and asks for advice through the site?
A: We will send them a private email suggesting that they speak to a teacher/parent about the bullying. We will also signpost them to links and contact details for specialist organisations that will be able to give them further specialist advice and support.
Q: What happens if a user threatens or says they are contemplating committing suicide on site?
A: We would suggest that they seek advice from a professional and signpost them to a specialist organisation like the Samaritans for help at the earliest opportunity.
Q: What happens if an MOW member says they are a victim of abuse or cruelty in a thread?
A: We would suggest that they seek advice from a professional and signpost them to a specialist organisation like Childline for help at the earliest convenience.
Q: What happens if another user posts racist, sexually explicit or offensive/discriminatory comments/images on the site or incites others to hatred or violence?
A: Because we monitor the site regularly throughout the day we can pick up and remove any unacceptable comments promptly. Our terms and conditions of use clearly state that any type of racist, sexist, discriminatory or offensive material is strictly forbidden. Those who break the rules are sent a written warning in the first instance and if they re-offend their membership is revoked and access to the site denied.
Q: What happens if an MOW member comments on illegal activity or endorses illegal activities; including drug taking, on site?
A: Because we monitor the site throughout the day we are able to pick up any unacceptable comments promptly and remove them from the site. Our terms and conditions of use clearly state that any material endorsing/depicting illegal activity is strictly forbidden. Those who break the rules are sent a written warning in the first instance and if they re-offend their membership is revoked and access to the site denied.