Expert reviews online child risks

Dr Tanya Byron will ask for information, advice and views as part of an independent review which she has been commissioned to carry out by the Government.

Dr Byron has come up with a set of questions on which she is seeking a response.

She is asking for views on the benefits and opportunities these new technologies present as well as exploring their potential risks and how children and their parents can best be helped to manage them.

It is hoped that people's responses will shape the future direction of the review and will ensure that her final report to the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is based on robust and comprehensive evidence.

"Anybody who has children will know that video games and the internet are a part of childhood like never before. This is tremendously positive," Dr Byron said.

"New technology is giving kids opportunities to learn, have fun, be creative and communicate in ways that previous generations could only dream of.

"But many parents still feel ill-equipped to help their children navigate this technology safely.

"By issuing my call for evidence today, I want to start a debate about how Government, industry and society as a whole can support parents to guide our children into the virtual world, with the same confidence as when we show them how to stay safe in our local community."

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: "We all value the great educational, social and entertainment benefits that the internet and video games technologies offer. However, I know parents want to have information on how their children can take advantage of the positive benefits of these technologies, whilst being able to protect them against the risks."