EU steps up efforts to make internet safer for children

HALF of all children using internet chatrooms have been approached online by strangers looking to meet them in person. And one child in seven has met someone after chatroom contact, but only 4% of parents are aware of what they are up to.

EU communications ministers meeting in Dundalk yesterday agreed to step up efforts to make the internet safer after hearing the results of a European Commission survey on web use among children.

The ministers promised wider use of technology to filter online communications, as well as more money for child safety awareness programmes and so-called “whistleblower” hotlines where parents can report suspicious websites.