UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) Launched to Combat Cyber-Bullying and Harmful Material

Cyber-bullying, violent video games and other harmful obstacles that stand in the way of children's safe use of the internet are to be tackled by a new council.

The UK Council for Child Internet Safety will police the web for children, take down illegal sites encouraging harmful behaviour and spearhead an awareness campaign.

It may also ask websites to sign up to a voluntary code of conduct launched to protect young people online.

The council will report directly to the Prime Minister and be tasked with tackling a range of issues that affect young people online.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced that the council would comprise more than 100 industry, charity and government experts.

It has been set up in response to a report by Dr Tanya Byron into how children and families can get the most from new technologies while protecting children from inappropriate material.

Dr Byron added: "Every parent will know that video games and the internet are a part of childhood like never before.

"This is extremely positive - giving kids the opportunities to learn to have fun and communicate in ways that previous generations could only dream of.

"But it can also present a huge challenge to parents and other adults involved in the welfare of children."

Sky News