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BBC and Ofcom discuss safeguarding children online

1 November 2016

On Tuesday 1 November, the Communications Committee quizzes the Director of Children's at the BBC about issues of safeguarding children and online safety. The Committee also hears from senior staff at Ofcom, as part of its ongoing inquiry into children and the internet.

Background

The Committee's investigation is looking into the risks and dangers presented to children by the internet, as well as the benefits, and also online governance and regulation.

Witnesses

Tuesday 1 November, Committee Room 2, Palace of Westminster

At 3.30pm

  • Alice Webb, Director, BBC Children's and BBC North

At 4.30pm

  • Tony Close, Director of Content Standards, Licensing and Enforcement, Ofcom
  • Lindsey Fussell, Consumer Group Director, Ofcom

Areas of discussion

Questions which the Committee will ask the BBC include:

  • What role can the BBC play in online safety?
  • How does the BBC develop apps for children?
  • Is there enough general understanding by parents about safe internet use?
  • How can critical awareness amongst children be improved?

Questions which the Committee will ask Ofcom include:

  • What particular difficulties do you face in regulating video on demand services?
  • Should the ISPs' take-up of filtering be monitored? How practical would that be?
  • Does your research offer an insight into the best age limit for social media accounts?

Further information

Image: iStockphoto