Government launches online child safety watchdog

Protecting children from harmful content on the web is the remit of a new watchdog that has been set up by the Government.

The UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCISS) was set up in response to Dr Tanya Byron’s report, Safer Children in a Digital World. The council, which will draw together over 100 organisations from the public and private sector, will tackle issues such as violent videos, inappropriate and offensive online content and cyber bullying.

According to communications regulator Ofcom, 99 per cent of children aged between eight to 17 use the internet and six in 10 children aged five to seven years old access the internet at home. Around a quarter do so unsupervised. Dr Byron also said many families are struggling to overcome the “generational digital divide”.

Although a child internet safety strategy has yet to be worked out, it is thought it could include getting internet service providers (ISPs) to sign up to a voluntary code of conduct that would see them take down websites that encourage harmful behaviour.

UKCISS, which includes internet service providers, entertainment companies and law enforcement agencies such as the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, will report directly to the Prime Minister.

ISP O2’s vice-president, Mike Short, who has been appointed to the council, said: “I am delighted to be able to contribute to the work of the UK Council on Child Internet Safety.

"The internet is an integral part of every day life for most young people with countless benefits including fun and entertaining ways to communicate, learn, and create, consume and share content. But as with all technology there’s the potential for mis-use."

The Executive Board to UKCISS, which will be chaired by the Home Office and ministers from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, is expected to meet quarterly. Its role will be to provide strategic support and direction to the council's activity.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: " Today's launch is a significant achievement and I thank all members of the council for their support and commitment. We want to help children and young people to make the most of what all digital and interactive technologies can offer.

"By putting in place the right support for children, young people and parents we can reduce much of the anxiety that exists around the internet. UKCISS will enable everyone from parents to industry, Government, education, and children's welfare organisations to play their part in keeping children safe online."