EU votes to keep kids safe online

Posted on 23 Oct 2008 at 17:25

European Union lawmakers have agreed to launch a £44 million campaign to protect children across the continent by clamping down on internet bullying and child pornography.

The project aims to ensure awareness of children, parents and teachers to online dangers and provide the public with national contact points for reporting illegal and harmful content. It also seeks to foster self-regulatory initiatives in this field and stimulate the involvement of children in creating a safer online environment.

In addition the scheme will establish a knowledge base on the use of new technologies and related risks.

"Today's children and teenagers face new challenges when they use Web 2.0 services. The EU will coordinate actions to empower children and protect them", said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media.

"I am convinced that the new Safer Internet programme will play an important role in our understanding of the challenges regarding online risks for young people and children, and will provide concrete help to many young internet users and their parents."
The vote during the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg followed a debate on the Commission's proposal.

The Safer Internet programme 2009-2013 builds on previous Safer Internet programme started in 2005 and will also encompass recent communications services from the Web 2.0, such as social networking.

The European Parliament overwhelmingly backed the EU Safer Internet programme, which is set to last for five years from 2009. The scheme was originally proposed by the European Commission last February.

Author: Robert Jaques

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