Social networking guide for parents launched
18-02-2008
by Emmet Ryan

A new guide to social networking websites was launched by the Minister of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Brian Lenihan, on Monday.

The parents' guide to social networking websites was produced by the Internet Advisory Board (IAB). The guide explains what social networking websites are and how they operate, all in a user-friendly format.

"Parents should get to grips with the new technology their children are using, so that they can learn with them and be aware of what their children are doing online," said Minister Lenihan. "It is good and responsible parenthood, not prying, for parents to know what websites their children have visited, and if they are suitable or not."

The booklet will be available free of charge through libraries, community information centres and credit unions. Parents can also request a copy of the booklet directly from the Office for Internet Safety through a freefone number 1800 24 25 95, and on the websites of the IAB (www.iab.ie) the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (www.justice.ie) and the makeITsecure website (www.makeitsecure.org).

In addition the Minister also welcomed the fact that mobile phone operators O2, Vodafone and Three Ireland will make the booklet available in their retail outlets.

The launch of the booklet comes just days before a seminar for parents on social networking takes place in Dublin. The seminar, which is being held as part of the makeITsecure campaign, takes place in the Conrad Hotel on Friday. The free seminar will run from 8:30am until 10am and will feature John Carr, an expert on social networking and advisor to the UK government, Dr Rachel O'Connell, Chief Safety Officer, Bebo and Cormac Callanan, ex General Secretary of Inhope and online child safety expert.

Social networking was not the only matter on the agenda on Monday as Minister Lenihan also announced the appointment of John Laffan as the new director of the Office for Internet Safety (OIS).

"The challenge for the director will be to move quickly to develop programmes and policies designed to make the internet a safer place. The director will engage with all stakeholders -- private sector and public authorities -- with the simple message that our young people deserve the best possible protection against the risk of internet exploitation and crime," said the minister.

"The OIS will build on the very successful cooperative relationship with the Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland, pioneered by the IAB, which champions the model of self-regulation through adherence to a strong code of practice and ethics."

Minister Lenihan's two announcements come during the Government's makeITsecure campaign which aims to promote safer use of technology. The campaign runs until 22 February and more information on events taking place, including the social networking seminar, can be found at www.makeitsecure.org.