We want to provide our customers with the information and entertainment services they demand. At the same time, we are committed to protecting the vulnerable, especially children, and are developing capabilities in all our markets to support this. We aim to give teachers, parents and carers the tools and knowledge they need to oversee the safety of young people.

Many parents want their children to carry a mobile phone for their safety and security. Young people see the mobile phone as a way of life and a communication tool..

Over the last 12 months, O2 has teamed up with Childnet on a range of programmes to strengthen the company’s commitment to child protection in terms of education and awareness.

Our campaign aims to help children and young people use the internet constructively and to help them acquire new “internet literacy” skills. We also aim to give advice to industry, organisations, parents, teachers and carers about internet and mobile safety, and work with others to help protect children from being exploited in the online environments provided by new technologies.

Childnet recently ran workshops presenting to O2 call centres and workplaces across England, Scotland and Ireland. The workshops were enthusiastically received by O2 staff and over 80 child safety champions have been recruited internally, to continually review the way the company can better support parents/guardians and children who are using our mobile and internet services.

We also ensure that we make available a range of information sources which is aimed to help inform parents/guardians on this sensitive issue e.g. a) leaflets b) websites c) customer communications d) codes of practice on Content and Location Based Services e) and to ensure we have an open approach by debating the "issues" e.g. on line debates and events with panel speakers.

We are also using Childnet’s Checklist for parents to be aware of all the protections and support that are available to them and that these are in place on their child’s phone. O2’s other activities include visits to schools, its proactive and responsible approach to Corporate Social Responsibility; creation of the Nuisance Call Bureau; O2 Customer care and advice lines; Polly und Fred, which is an interactive DVD developed by O2 Germany which gives advice on responsible use of the mobile phone.

O2 provide customers with a number of tools to help protect themselves or their children e.g. payment controls (PREPAY); call barring – (Premium Rate Services, International call bar), and payment caps (or limits) for PRS, O2 Anti spam/STOP command; text bullying advice; filtering/blocking of content; age verification; opt in rules.

O2 is working with regulators and opinion formers e.g. the Internet Watch Foundation; Home Office internet task force on child protection; Children's charities; ICSTIS; OFCOM.

In May 2000 the Stewart Report recommended a precautionary approach be taken to the use of mobile phones by children.O2 does not therefore target its advertising at children.

Nonetheless, O2 believes it is a decision for parents whether to give a mobile phone to their child. Research conducted by MORI earlier in the year shows that the majority of parents of children aged between 8 and 16 agree by 3:1 that the overall advantages of a child using a mobile outweigh disadvantages.

Of course that does not mean parents do not worry about the misuse of mobile phones or other issues associated with children owning mobile phones, whether it is text message bullying; accessing adult content; or inappropriate contact with strangers. Our role is to ensure all our customers get the most out of our services, whilst protecting children and giving parents more information and support in relation to their children’s use of mobile phones.

Vikki Leach, O2