Warning over mobile phone threats to children

The mobile phone industry must cooperate with a European Commission examination of the potential risks of children being exposed to bullying and porn, it was urged today.

The commission has launched a public consultation to look at issues such as assessing harmful or illegal content, bullying through abusive messages or photos, grooming and the risk of unexpectedly high costs from downloading ringtones or pictures.

Charlie O’Connor, a Dublin South West TD, said the decision to begin a public consultation at European level underlined the need for Ireland to act against problems including phone porn and bullying.

“I will be encouraging the mobile phone industry here to participate fully in this consultation process and ensure that our children have the maximum level of protection,” the Fianna Fáil TD said.

The commission said it would be seeking the contributions from parents, child safety organisations, consumer groups, mobile phone companies and regulators before the October deadline.

Figures from the Eurobarometer survey of May 2006, showed 70% of European young people aged between 12 and 13 years and 23% of children aged from eight to nine years own a mobile phone.

“The European Commission is firmly of the view that minors must be protected against mobile phone abuse,” Mr O’Connor said. “Given we (Ireland) have one of the highest levels of mobile phones the figures here are probably higher.

“While mobiles can be an important link between children and parents, they can also be an avenue for sex abusers and bullies to try and entrap young people.”

Mr O’Connor warned people involved in abuse, including the grooming and exploitation of children, would travel widely to perpetrate these crimes.

The commission stated the consultation aimed to gather factual information and views from different stakeholders on the types of risks faced by children in their use of mobile content services, the solutions that exist and the scope for further action.

“Mobile phones are part of our daily lives, not only for adults but also for teenagers and increasingly for younger children,” said Viviane Reding, commissioner for information society and media.

“Mobile communication is a great opportunity for the development of Europe’s economies and societies. However, at the same time, the protection of minors needs to be guaranteed.

“In my view, protection of minors in mobile communications is the responsibility of all: industry, child safety associations and public bodies.

“The more efficient self-regulation can become, the less the need for state intervention.”