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The NSPCC welcomes the government recommendations announced today which are a significant step forward in helping us to keep children safe online.
Head of policy and public affairs Diana Sutton said: "The proposals to monitor the access that registered sex offenders have to social networking sites recognises the integral part that these sites now play in children's lives. Many sex offenders will go to extraordinary lengths to access children, and we need to ensure that safety measures in cyber space are as stringent as they are in the wider world.
"The recommendation to include links to resources such as the NSPCC on these websites is a welcome step forward. If a child has an unwanted experience online, it is important that we make it as easy as possible for them to report their concerns and get help.
"Parents also play a crucial role in educating their children about how to surf safely online. They can install filtering equipment on computers used by children to protect them from seeing abusive or violent material. The introduction today of a kitemark scheme on these products will give parents greater confidence when buying as manufacturers will have to comply with an independent standard to gain accreditation.
"We cannot always keep children safe from individuals who are intent on causing harm. But we must strive to do all we can to protect children by keeping one step ahead of the abusers."
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NSPCC media office on 0207 825 2835 out of hours 07976 206625
Notes to editors:
About the NSPCC
The NSPCC is the UK's leading children charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. The NSPCC's purpose is to end cruelty to children FULL STOP. Its vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. The NSPCC runs 180 projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, including ChildLine, the UK's free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people. The NSPCC helps over 10,000 children and their families every year.
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.