Catherine Stihler, Scottish Labour MEP

Tuesday 9th February 2010 marks Safer Internet Day - a calendered event that is celebrated throughout the EU and in forty countries throughout the world.

As a result of strong action at a European level, eighteen major social networking sites, that are active in Europe, have signed and pledged to adhere to the guidelines set out in the  "Safer Social Networking Principles for the EU.

This year the real focus has been on reminding people that under eighteens may be at risk online.  The rise of social networking sites - such as Bebo and Facebook - have increased the possibility of children being groomed, stumbling across illegal or inappropriate content and even being victims of cyber bulling.

This years mottos is: “Think B4 U Post!”  It is vital that all children and teenagers are reminded to use social networking sites with caution, use the appropriate privacy settings and to consider the consequences before they divulge information on line. 

Aside from the European Commission launching the Safer Social Networking Principles report, the Council of Europe has been busy working on a safer surfing guidance book for children.

For more information, please visit:

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/10/33&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en