Thus backs safe surfing for kids scheme

NEWS UK ISP Thus is calling on internet service providers to create a working group to promote internet safety to schoolchildren. Thus has been working with Junior Citizen, a scheme led by Surrey police, to give interactive seminars to pupils throughout the year. The sessions include guidance on keeping personal details private and the danger of downloading viruses. They are aimed at protecting children from accessing harmful material or being "groomed" by paedophiles in online chatrooms. Industry support and resources would allow the classes to be given nationwide, according to Mark Gracey, manager for internet content regulation at Thus. He said in a statement: "The Internet brings exciting new opportunities for communication, but sadly it is not immune to criminal abuse and exploitation. ISPs can help in terms of education in order to protect children." The Internet Service Providers Association admitted it was a good cause but said there are many other similar schemes, run by organisations such as the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), out there competing for resources. A spokesman told silicon.com: "It is a very worthy cause but ISPs have to make a decision as to which programme is most appropriate for their own business and which will benefit kids the most. Lots of ISPs are committing resources to things like the Home Office taskforce and some are making direct contributions to the Internet Watch Foundation." Just last month silicon.com revealed that mobile operators are looking into setting up a taskforce to promote safe mobile surfing for children.