The media have all jumped on the same bandwagon this week, with reports condemning social networking sites - such as Bebo and Facebook - as unsafe websites for children to surf. 

Publishing of the Byron report at the end of March seems to have precipitated this avalanche of comment.  Its author, Dr. Tanya Byron, clearly points out the vital role that parental control needs to play in keeping children safe.  The notion of "nurturing a shared culture of responsibility" is also explored, along with empowering children themselves to make safe decisions online.

The impact of this report will take some time to sink in, affecting as it does the gaming industry, social networking sites, schools, central government and the consciences of all concerned parents.

The consequences for our own business relate specifically to this notion of shared responsibility.  All websites we've designed for young people have firm 'house rules' to protect users from harrassment; moderators of our forums are trained to recognize online abuse by experienced professionals; we also provide clear links to information and policing sites that both discourage potential predators and give guidance to young people wishing to stay safe online.  Yet there will always be new ways in which safe use of the internet can be promoted, something that the Bryon Report has helped to highlight in the minds of the general public.

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