Lloyd supports the 'keep kids safe online' campaign

7.02.02pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 24th Aug 2009

Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner, Stephen Lloyd, is publicising communications regulator Ofcom's advice aimed at helping parents and carers improve child safety online as they come to the end of their school summer holidays.

Two-thirds of 5-7 year olds now use the internet at home, rising to over three-quarters of 8-11 year olds and over four-fifths of 12-15s. Of these, one in five children between the ages of 5 and 7 use the internet without an adult present, as do nearly half of 8-11 and two out of three 12-15 year olds. They use the internet to play games, watch videos, download music and talk to friends on Instant Messaging and social networking sites. During this time they could encounter inappropriate or even potentially harmful content.

Stephen welcomed the campaign to raise awareness among parents and carers of how to help keep kids safe online, saying: "When I was doing my weekly shop at the supermarket last weekend, a mum stopped me to tell me about this campaign from Ofcom and that it would be good to let other parents know in Eastbourne. I think she was absolutely spot on. The internet offers lots of opportunities for fun, learning and development at the click of a mouse, but it is important parents, carers and children have the right skills and information to keep them safe online. Knowing how to help keep kids safe on the net is a way local parents can take control and have peace of mind."

John Carr, Secretary of the Children's Charities Commission on Internet Safety also welcomed the campaign saying: "With children spending so much time online, often unsupervised, it is vital that they and their parents have the know-how to have fun and stay safe." Robin Blake, Head of Media Literacy at Ofcom added, "Young people have a real appetite to explore and in doing so they learn about the world around them. When they go out to play we set rules to help keep them safe; and it's no different when they explore the online world, and these top tips will help you keep them safe."

Ofcom has some top tips to help parents and carers ensure children can enjoy the internet safely during the school holidays:

• Talk to your child and get to know how they use the internet; ask to see some of their favourite sites

• Install filtering software to restrict access to inappropriate websites

• Make sure your children know not to share their personal details online, such as their address and phone number

• Make sure your children know why cyberbullying is wrong

• Encourage your children to let you know if something or someone online makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened.

A short consumer guide and a video showing how to help protect children from inappropriate or potentially harmful content are available on Ofcom's web site www.ofcom.org.uk/