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Social networking websites and major technology companies are joining the government in an organisation designed to improve children's safety online.

The council will promote responsible online advertising and will seek to shut down "harmful" websites.

It will also develop a voluntary code for websites featuring users' content.

The creation of the council is the latest stage in the development of the government's safety strategy for children using the internet.

Online bullying

It follows a government-commissioned report by psychologist Tanya Byron earlier this year, which called for the setting up of a child safety council, as part of a drive to protect children using the internet and digital technologies.

The council, which will report to the prime minister, will have a membership of over 100 organisations, including technology companies such as Microsoft and Google, websites such as Facebook and mobile phone companies such as O2.

It promises to create codes of practice in protecting children from "illegal internet sites that promote harmful behaviour" and will address issues such as online bullying.

'Huge challenge'

There will also be an examination of how websites handle videos or messages posted by users - and what the procedures should be for removing offensive or inappropriate material.

Speaking ahead of the council's launch on Monday, Dr Byron said: "Every parent will know that video games and the internet are a part of childhood like never before.

"This is extremely positive; giving kids the opportunities to learn to have fun and communicate in ways that previous generations could only dream of. But it can also present a huge challenge to parents and other adults involved in the welfare of children."

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Last Edited Date : September 29 2008 9:43 am