Steve Brine has welcomed news that all schools will be required to put in place strengthened measures to protect children from harm online under plans unveiled by the government just before Christmas.
The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP, who is the parent of two primary schoolchildren, was pleased to see that cyber bullying, pornography and the risk of radicalisation will all be tackled, as all schools will need to have appropriate filters and monitoring systems, so that no child can access harmful content via the school's IT systems and concerns can be spotted quickly. They will also be required to ensure that they teach their pupils about safeguarding, including online.
Recent events have shown that the risks to young people being targeted by radical groups have risen and should not be underestimated - some school children who travelled or attempted to travel to Syria were able to access material about Daesh and foreign fighters via school computers.
Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said: "As a parent I've seen just what an important role the internet can play in children's education. But it can also bring risks, which is why we must do everything we can to help children stay safe online - at school and at home.
"This includes ensuring young people know how to use the internet responsibly and that parents and teachers have the right measures in place to keep children safe from exploitation or radicalisation.
"These measures are delivering on the government's commitment to keep children safe from harm, as well as providing helpful support and information for professionals and parents so we are all equipped to help protect children in this digital age."
Steve Brine said: "I very much welcome this announcement, which will please, I know, so many parents across Winchester & Chandler's Ford. I also welcome the practical guides to social media which will be included, as well as new online training which will be launched for professionals, including nurses, doctors and teachers who work with children and young people."
The National Crime Agency's CEOP Command has also revised and updated the parents content on the Thinkuknow website. The new site offers a completely refreshed suite of articles and guidance on all aspects of child internet safety, as well as providing specific advice for parents and carers on preventing their children from becoming victims of sexual abuse and exploitation both online and in the 'real world'.
More information ...
Department for Education press release
National Crime Agency's Thinkuknow website