Network sites “need help buttons”

It was reported on GMTV and the BBC this morning that BEBO are adding a safety button to their networking site in an attempt to protect children from abuse. Facebook and My Space are now criticised for not doing the same.

Protection of children who use the internet, is a massive problem, logistically and legally.

Sections 9 to 15 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 set out a series of “child sex offences”, including causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence and meeting a child following sexual grooming.

There are other difficult issues. For instance what duties do parents owe to their child when using the internet? Should parents install anti abuse software? What is the liability of networking sites such as BEBO or Facebook if a child using their network is abused?

What you think? Should Facebook and My Space be required by law to put an abuse button on their sites. Should parents be required to put software on their children’s computers?

See BBC  News 18 November 2009 Networks Sites need help buttons