Cyberbullying discussion with chair of key online group

 

I am hopeful that a number of new recommendations, designed to tackle the growing problem of cyberbullying and online harassment, will be in place by September.

Last week I  met with Dr. Brian O’Neill, the Chair of the Internet Content Advisory Group, which recently presented a key report to the Government on various aspects of internet governance.

At this meeting I discussed with him the urgent need to deal with a number of complex issues surrounding internet usage and young people nowadays. Cyberbullying and online harassment is one such aspect of this.

“Parents and teachers can only do so much in terms of policing online behaviour; recent cases such as the ‘NekNomination’ craze have shown how the clear need for a more strategic, Government-led response to the issue. The Labour Party in Government has been working hard on this front, and the efforts of Dr. O’Neill and the online advisory group have been central to this process. Local parents need reassurance that we are making real strides to tackle this problem and I am pleased to report that September has been mooted as a realistic target for the implementation of some of the group's recommendations.

“The group has suggested beefing up legislation, and making sure that the issue of internet safety is on the top of the agenda by enhancing the role of the Office for Internet Safety. They also want to make Internet Service Providers more responsible by doing more to offer family-friendly packages to consumers which promote safe online usage for kids.

“I am hugely cognisant of the concerns of local parents in relation to this issue of online safety. This marks the first time that practical, tangible steps will be taken to arrest the growing problems posed by unregulated online behaviour. I want to assure people that the Labour Party is strongly committed to reform in this area, both through regulatory and legislative change, and educational initiatives at school level.”