“One of the major concerns regarding this whole issue is that C2K, which is managed by the Western Education and Library Board, waited so long before even informing the Minister about the matter despite them knowing in December 2009. The Minister herself stated that she should have been made aware in September 2009, when Sparklebox creator Samuel Kinge was charged. A decision has been made to block access to this website which is to be welcomed, but it is imperative that full information regarding the circumstances surrounding this decision is made public to assuage any concerns that may exist.”  

To coincide with the beginning of internet safety week Michelle McIlveen MLA DUP Children's Spokesperson has highlighted again the need for a Northern Ireland action plan on internet safety as part of the UKCCIS developments.Miss McIlveen stated:

"The pace of development of the internet is breath taking with total convergence of technology and the internet available to children on their mobile phones and an integral part of how they communicate with each other. While a wonderful resource the internet has a darker side some risks. It important that children are protected and parents play an important role in this. I think the current concerns regarding Sparklebox bring this into sharper focus.

A cross-departmental and multi-agency approach is necessary and while the UK Government's Council for Child Internet Safety will take forward national developments many things are required at a local level here. In particular, ensuring the Department of Education has a comprehensive e safety strategy and internet safety is priority in all departments that have interfaces with children and young people.” 

Print Version