‘Child protection review required in light of new technology’ – McKevitt
SDLP Culture spokesperson Karen McKevitt MLA has said that child protection must be given a new focus as technology becomes more accessible to young people.
McKevitt was speaking after meeting with representatives of the British Board of Film Classification.
She said, “The Culture Arts and Leisure Committee identified a need to bridge gaps in child protection across the Department’s statutory remit in October of last year.
“I met with representatives of the British Board for Film Classification today with a view to bringing some of those issues forward.
“I’m very pleased that the BBFC reps understood the challenges facing the industry as films and other video productions, be it youtube videos or other online sources, are becoming increasingly accessible to younger children as technology advances.
“This poses serious child protection concerns as young children have free access to age inappropriate material.
The local SDLP MLA added, “We need to look again at the statutory powers given to the range of agencies involved in video production and safeguarding children. It’s important that authorities keep up with advances in technology and ensure that child protection measures are as robust as possible.”
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