Parents with a home broadband connection have been issued a warning by the Institute for Public Policy research (IPPR).

Although broadband can offer educational and other benefits for children, it has been shown that British children are spending over 20 hours per week online, chiefly on social networking sites.

Research fellow and author of the report Kay Withers commented: "Government needs to improve media literacy programmes for kids and to make sure parents are aware of how they can support young people's positive online experiences."

It was also suggested as part of the report that popular sites such as MySpace and YouTube should develop industry guidelines, approved by Ofcom, to make broadband experiences safer for young people.

The BBC's online Chatguide offers tips to teenagers, helping to protect them online and advising how to deal with issues such as cyber-bullying and online fraud.

Broadband users may be interested in the suggestion that children should not enter private chatrooms, as public forums are more fun and safer.


Tuesday, 25th March 2008

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