Action needed to protect our children online, says GM Mayor

Action needed to protect our children online

Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has welcomed a report calling for more to be done to protect our children online.

A report by the Children’s Commissioner – Growing Up Digital – has found that children and young people are being left to fend for themselves on the internet, and calls for a digital ombudsman and stronger laws to protect their privacy.

Mr Lloyd said: “This is a welcome report that once again highlights the urgent action needed to protect our children in the online world.

“The internet can be a great place for socialising and learning. But is also a complex and sometimes murky place where our children can be exposed to grooming, bullying and violence.

"We need to ensure they are equipped with the right knowledge and tools to navigate their way safely and securely – just as we would do offline. That also means working with parents so they know what their children are doing online, and can help guide them.

“I look forward to seeing the Government’s response to this report and what steps they will be taking to keep our children safe.”

The report recommends a digital citizenship programme for every child, that social media companies rewrite their terms and conditions, and a digital ombudsman to mediate between children and social media companies on the removal of content.