A report made research-based policy recommendations to improve internet safety for children, drawing on findings from the European Union Kids Online research network.
Source: Brian O'Neill and Elisabeth Staksrud, Final Recommendations for Policy, EU Kids Online, London School of Economics
Links: Report
Date: 2014-Sep
A report examined how children considered and managed online risks, whether they understood the issues and risks, the strategies they employed to manage them, and how they decided which information sources to trust online.
Source: Sherbert Research, Children's Online Behaviour: Issues of risk and trust – qualitative research findings, Ofcom
Links: Report | Ofcom press release
Date: 2014-Sep
An article examined views on the development and role of technology within care homes. It said that technology was more likely to be 'fit for purpose' when developed in partnership with staff, residents, and visitors, and that costs and benefits should be taken into account.
Source: Deidre Wild, Ala Szczepura, Clive Bowman, Angela Kydd, and Richard Wallis, 'Differing perspectives on a role for technology in care homes to improve the lives of older people and the work environment of staff', Housing Care and Support, Volume 17 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jul
A report by a committee of peers said that the criminal law was generally appropriate for the prosecution of offences committed using social media, although there were some gaps in the law that could be addressed. The committee also recommended that the Director of Public Prosecutions should clarify the circumstances in which an indecent communication could and should be subject to prosecution.
Source: Social Media and Criminal Offences, 1st Report (Session 2014–15), HL 37, House of Lords Communications Select Committee, TSO
Links: Report | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2014-Jul
An article examined the influence of mobile technologies on social exclusion, and the impact of two distinct approaches by local government to providing access to local support and services. It concluded the evidence suggested that, in order to maximize the success and benefit of new technology, it was important first to understand and address existing information needs and barriers, such as literacy and information technology literacy, and social-emotional issues.
Source: Kieran Mervyn, Anoush Simon, and David Allen, 'Digital inclusion and social inclusion: a tale of two cities', Information, Communication & Society, Volume 17 Issue 9
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jul
A report examined the use of technology and digital tools in local government services, and approaches to improve and develop services.
Source: Transforming Local Public Services: Using technology and digital tools and approaches, Local Government Association
Links: Report
Date: 2014-Jul
An article examined the nature and prevalence of risks to children from the use of mobile phones and the internet, and considered the conceptual and methodological challenges for research in this area, as well as the research gaps. It said that prevalence estimates varied according to definition and measurement but did not appear to be rising substantially, although some risk markers could be identified for particular vulnerability to harm.
Source: Sonia Livingstone and Peter Smith, 'Annual research review: harms experienced by child users of online and mobile technologies the nature, prevalence and management of sexual and aggressive risks in the digital age', Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Volume 55 Issue 6
Links: Abstract
Date: 2014-Jun
A think-tank report said that Britain was well placed to be a world leader in the applied use of technology, but success in the field would require action and support from successive governments. The report set out three goals: to build the world's most connected and digitally skilled society; to make Britain the most attractive place outside of Silicon Valley in the United States of America for technology entrepreneurs to start and grow a business; and to make the government the smartest in the world. It made recommendations for individuals, business, and the government, including for everyone in the United Kingdom to be online by 2020, for 95 per cent of government transactions to be digitized by 2015, and for a specialist analytics team to be established in the Cabinet Office to identify and realize big data opportunities.
Source: Eddie Copeland, Sarah Fink, and Cameron Scott, Technology Manifesto, Policy Exchange
Links: Report | Policy Exchange press release | StatsLife report
Date: 2014-Jun
A think-tank paper examined the development of smart cities through the use of new technologies and data to improve service delivery and address various economic, social and environmental challenges. It said that, although some cities were developing 'smart' plans and projects, the overall implementation of smart technologies was slow, mainly because of a lack of consensus on meaning and method, and because of financial, technical, and institutional barriers within the smart technologies market. The paper explored the reasons behind the slow progress, and considered the challenges to overcome.
Source: Smart Cities, Centre for Cities
Links: Paper
Date: 2014-May