As the Rt Hon Margaret Hodge, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families launches Parents Online Safety Week, we find out what the Government are really doing to keep our kids safe online

Parents Online, the Department for Education and Skills initiative, which aims to help parents understand the educational benefits of the Internet, is to focus on safety during Parents Online Safety Week from 10-14 November.

A new presentation, which is featured on the Parents Online website, tackles issues including online pornography, bullying and paedophiles, as well as web content, addiction, spam and computer viruses. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) initiative aims to help parents understand the safety issues and educational benefits associated with children using the Internet.

Giving support
The organisers of Parents Online Safety Week are encouraging schools, libraries and UK online centres throughout the country to hold events for parents and carers to increase awareness of how to support their children using ICT, (Information Communications Technology) whilst understanding the key safety issues.

'There is no doubt that the internet is an amazing resource for families and we believe that if parents have more knowledge of what is available online, they will embrace the technology as a learning tool for the whole family.' Said Margaret Hodge, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families.

'However, along with these positive features, parents need to be aware of the issues associated with Internet use, and learn how to keep their children safe whilst they are online. This website provides a comprehensive and accessible tool for anyone with responsibility for children using the Internet. I would encourage any teacher or ICT co-ordinator to register an event on the Parents Online website and show the whole community what the Internet has to offer.'

Events around the UK
Currently there are over 500 Parents Online Safety Week events being held across the country in schools, libraries, UK online centres and other ICT suites. These are detailed on the parents online website map

Angela Richards, Head of UK online centres, said:

'Understanding the Internet is the best way to protect your children. Parents who don't have a computer at home but are concerned about Internet safety can log onto the website at 6,000 UK online centres across England where trained staff and volunteers are on hand to help. UK online centres can be found in a variety of places such as libraries, community centres and on the high street.'

UK online centres
UK online centres around England are supporting Parents Online Safety Week by providing Internet access for those who don't have a computer at home or at work. Many UK online centres will be holding special events during the week, providing sessions on how to surf safely with your family.

To find your nearest UK online centre call: 0800 77 1234

Registering an event
Registering an event with Parents Online is a simple process. Interested parties should visit Parents Online and enter the Event Holders' section. All Parents Online website users can nominate in the Parents Online Awards, celebrating the best events, ICT staff and Home-School links in schools and other community based Internet facilities. Nominations close on the 28th November.