Mobile networks agree new child safety methods

The country's three mobile networks have agreed new methods to protect children from unsuitable material available on the next generation of mobile technology.

3G phones, which will become available later this year, have access to internet-style content, which may be unsuitable for children.

The plan is to allow parents full access to the phone records of children.

Software, which will be able to filter content, is also on trial.

A national register of 3G phones will be established by the Minister for Communications, Dermot Ahern, with the help of the Irish Cellular Industry Association.

Ahern said today: "We need a national register of 3G phones.

"A national register of picture phones has proven impractical by virtue of the fact that we already had millions of GSM handsets in existence when picture-phones became available. But 3G is different.

"Handsets will not be available until the end of the year and we have an opportunity now to provide increased safety mechanisms.

"In proposing a national register of 3G handsets I want to be clear that I intend working closely with industry on the detail of the register," Ahern added.

Ahern praised a new guide - Children and Mobile Phones - brought out by the mobile phone sector as safe and responsible and pledged his continued support

A recent survey of the Irish communications market showed that there are now 3.4 million mobile phones in Ireland, and the average user sends 82 text messages per month.

The mobile penetration rate in Ireland reached 87% at the end of 2003, an increase of 4% on the previous quarter.

Paul Donovan, Chief Executive of Vodafone Ireland, has said the networks are committed to protecting children.

Mr Donovan said: "Working across the industry I think we have identified a number of processes which will significantly drive down costs but which actually meet the concerns of our customers particularly with regard to the use of mobile phones by their children."