Panic button plea for online safety

A senior police officer responsible for protecting children online has hit out at some of the world's leading social networking sites.

Jim Gamble, head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (Ceop) Centre, said Facebook and MySpace could do more to keep youngsters safe.

He said he was disappointed the two internet giants have not adopted a panic button for children who fear they are at risk.

His comments came after their competitor Bebo, now owned by AOL, adopted the Ceop report button.

The button enables users to report online abuse, bullying and illegal activity as well as offering advice about hacking and viruses.

It was launched just a day after charity Beat-bullying pinpointed Bebo and Microsoft's instant messaging service as hotspots for bullying. The charity polled 2,094 young people across England and found nearly a third (30 per cent) of 11 to 16-year-olds who had been "cyberbullied" had been targeted on Bebo.

Mr Gamble said there is "no legitimate reason" for refusing to put the button on a website. He said: "I do not want my criticism to be taken as a swipe at the online industry. The vast majority of players are doing a good job and doing their best to make the environment safe.

"This is aimed specifically at social networking sites. They are creating a public space that attracts young people, children and adults, so they can make money through advertising. There is a responsibility, a duty of care, to the young and the vulnerable."

Mr Gamble said some sites claimed technical issues block the button, while others suggest companies do not want to lose a potentially-lucrative advertising space. He added: "It is tiny and does not take up any significant real estate. The bottom line is there is no legitimate reason for not taking it and placing it on a site."

The Ceop report button allows computer users to report fears directly to the Ceop Centre in central London. There are also links to 10 other sources of help including Childline and charity Beatbullying.