INTERNET SAFETY

The Byron Review

On 6 September 2007, Dr Tanya Byron was asked to independently review potentially harmful or inappropriate material children may be exposed to through the internet or video games. It brought, what she described as, a “very necessary focus to what is a very necessary debate”.

This review, “Safer Children in a Digital World” shifted the focus of the debate from those forms of media attributed with causing harm, to the children and young people, and how their understanding can be used to make the digital world safer. Just as it is the responsibility of multiple agencies to keep children safe in the real world, it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to their welfare on the digital realm. The Byron review cites people in diverse roles at all levels of society as forming part of the support network necessary to underpin a culture of responsibility.

Details of the Byron Review, including the full report and a summary for children and young people can be found at: www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview/

UK Council for Child Internet Safety

As a direct result of the Byron Review the UK Council for Child Internet Safety was launched by the government earlier this year. The UKCCIS will unite over 100 organisations from the public and private sector working with Government to deliver recommendations from Byron Report. The Council will report directly to the Prime Minister and will ensure that parents and young people have a voice in the development of a Child Internet Safety Strategy, to be delivered early next year.

For further information on the UKCCIS click here.

Think u know

The ThinkUKnow website has been produced by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP). It contains information on staying safe for children and young people from different age groups. There are also resources for teachers and trainers and information and guidance for parents. The site includes iinternet safety tips, information on safety in relation to gaming, mobiles, social networking and grooming.