Social networks to display 999 button for kids

Government reports warns of dangers

2 April 2008 9:08 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Facebook and other social networking sites may have to advertise the 999 emergency number on their pages under new guidelines to improve the safety of children online.

The Telegraph has obtained a draft copy of the a new report that looks into child safety online from the Home Office's taskforce on online child protection in consultation with websites, mobile phone operators, children's charities, parent groups and academics.

The report also suggests sites should take steps to make it more difficult for children to lie about their age and provide parents with free downloadable monitoring software.

Ofcom has published research showing that 27% of 8- to 11-year-olds who have internet access bypass online age restrictions to put their profiles online, while 41% of kids do not use privacy settings, but only 30% of parents knew that their children's profiles were open to view by anyone online.

The report is due to be published on Friday.