Impact of the Internet on children

A major inquiry has been launched to investigate the impact of the internet and violent video games on children. The Government commented that parents are "ill-equipped" when it comes to keeping their children safe from violent and damaging internet influences.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, claims that only one in twenty parents know that many children give out personal details online.

Leading the review is Dr Tanya Byron, the TV parenting guru. Dr Byron has appealed to parents and children to submit evidence for the inquiry, which will result in a final report investigating the risks posed to children?s safety and the effectiveness of existing controls.

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

Ministers say that the Byron review will not be extended to illegal internet content such as underage gambling, since such areas are already covered by existing legislation.
Whilst Mr. Balls sees the advantages of new technology, he also believes in protecting children through parental education and control.

"We all value the great educational, social and entertainment benefits that the internet and video games technologies offer", he said.

"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.
"We know for example that 46 per cent of children say they have given out personal information on-line - but only five per cent of parents realise this."

The report is due for submission in late March 2008.