Government considers automatic blocks on pornographic websites

A consultation document has been launched asking parents and businesses for their views on an automatic block, which would cover pornographic websites and those that promote suicide, self harm and violence.

Sites that expose children to cyber bullying and online sexual grooming would also be blocked.

The automatic block would require users to remove restrictions if they wanted access to blocked sites. The government has not ruled out regulation to force computer manufacturers to put such a block in place.

Other measures being considered to protect children include asking all customers which internet blocks they want in place when they buy a computer or mobile phone.

This latest consultation follows the Letting Children Be Children report by Mothers union chief executive Reg Bailey, which argued that parents want to take more control over their children’s internet access but are unsure how to.

Children’s minister Tim Loughton said: “Growing numbers of parents do not feel in control of what their families are exposed to online. Many want to take responsibility, but all too often they do not how know how because they find the technology too difficult to use or their children are more technically advanced then they are.

“We have always been clear we would turn up the heat on industry if it did not make fast enough progress.”

Meanwhile, a survey of more than 850 five- to 18-year-olds by ChildLine found that 63 per cent believe they have the primary responsibility for ensuring their own online safety.

Less than half (43 per cent) thought that parents and carers should be able to choose what they can access online. Although a similar proportion (42 per cent) thought their online experience would be safer is parents blocked inappropriate content.

The consultation runs for 10 weeks.