Report calls for online lifeguards

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A ground-breaking internet safety report has had a cautious reception from the Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA), which welcomed the findings of the Byron Report but has reservations over its implementation.

The report lays out a national strategy for internet child safety, and includes recommendations for the establishment of a UK Council for Child Internet Safety, which will oversee the industry's self-regulation of harmful content.

The report also recommends a "huge" campaign to educate parents and children regarding online safety.

While ISPA broadly welcomed the proposals it said it still has a few questions regarding the implementation. "ISPA will be seeking further clarification on how the proposed codes will be developed and monitored," said statement from the industry body.

"ISPA would like to understand in more detail the review's recommendations for codes on 'harmful content', in particular how any code would be developed and how this will benefit users over and above the good practice codes already proposed."

Among its other proposals,the report also takes a strong line on social networking sites. "At a public swimming pool we have gates, put up signs, have lifeguards and shallow ends, but we also teach children how to swim," said Dr Tanya Byron, author of the report. "In place of lifeguards, online services need moderators and notices and take down procedures to enforce acceptable use polices."

Speaking at the launch of the report, Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and families said the Government would fully implement the recommendations contained within the Byron report but refused to answer questions on potential funding.

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