Child Protection Internet Safety Initiatives and Projects (Northern Ireland)
Ms S Ramsey MLA asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland, Michael McGimpsey MLA: to detail the child protection internet safety initiatives and projects that have been developed by his Department. (AQW 3092/11)
Michael McGimpsey MLA: My officials liaise closely with UK counterparts as part of the UK Council on Child Internet Safety. During February 2010, to coincide with Safer Internet Day, my Department funded a media and press awareness raising campaign within Northern Ireland to highlight the issue of internet safety and the benefits of the ‘Click Clever Click Safe’ campaign which promotes a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ where parents/carers/children can obtain advice and report instances of concerns in relation to internet safety. Responsibilities for Internet safety issues fall to a number of NI Departments. My Department works with relevant Departments and other Agencies as part of the Safeguarding sub-group of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children and Young People to promote issues around Internet safety etc. In addition, under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council my Department is involved in a cross-border group of officials which oversee areas for co-operation on child protection, including internet safety. This group continues to keep each other appraised of ongoing developments within respective jurisdictions. My Department is also currently bringing forward legislation to establish a Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) next year. This Board will play a key role in addressing issues relating to internet safety.The UK Government is currently considering how best to proceed in the area of internet safety. When decisions have been taken on the way ahead we, along with other relevant NI Departments, will consider what the implications are for Northern Ireland.
