TCP: New tools help children manage online experience

The Taskforce on Child Protection (TCP) has welcomed a government initiative to make the online environment safer for children.

There has been growing concern over the safety implications of social networking sites – including MySpace, Facebook and Bebo – for younger users, concerns the government is now attempting to tackle.

"These guidelines build on the work that many providers are already implementing to ensure that, as far as possible, products are safer by design and children and young people have the tools to manage their online experience," said Annie Mullins, chair of the TCP.

Among the measures announced today are proposals to monitors the use of the internet by sex offenders and the display of links to agencies – including the police, NSPCC and the Samaritans - on social networking websites.

"The protection of young people is a priority for us all and this initiative demonstrates just how effective collaboration between a wide range of organisations including government, the police, non-governmental groups and industry can be," continued Ms Mullins.

"Social networking sites are a wonderful way to communicate and it's vital that we work together to help ensure children and young people can use them safely and responsibly."