News
Online safety bill passage marks new dawn for child safety, says NSPCC Chief
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) hails the enactment of the Online Safety Bill as a landmark step towards the protection of children on the web.
The legislation, after enduring years of rigorous debate and analysis in Parliament, mandates tech giants to fundamentally integrate child safety measures into their platforms, be it social media, gaming apps, or messaging services.
It can be recalled that the Government first committed to this regulation at the NSPCC’s 2018 annual convention, following the initiation of the charity’s Wild West Web campaign. Since then, the NSPCC has played an instrumental role in refining the bill as it navigated the complex corridors of Parliament.
With online child abuse offences soaring to unparalleled highs and disturbing content regarding self-harm and suicide rampant on social media, the legislation couldn’t be timelier. Recent NSPCC data disclosed a startling 82% spike in recorded online grooming crimes while the bill was in deliberation.
Moreover, the urgency of this bill was tragically underscored by the case of Molly Russell, 14, who took her life last year after being subjected to disturbing content on social media.
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, expressed his sentiments: “The passing of the Online Safety Bill signifies an epochal day for our children, ensuring they receive the vital protection they deserve online. Every day, we hear harrowing accounts from children about the insurmountable online abuses they undergo, which is why we’ve ardently championed for this change.”
Survivors and bereaved parents have heavily influenced the shaping of the Online Safety Bill. Mared Parry, a survivor from Wales, shared her harrowing experience, stating, “When I was 14, older men would demand photographs. In hindsight, I realise I was coaxed into sending images. This legislation is crucial to shield others from similar fates.”
Ruth Moss, a mother who tragically lost her daughter to online harmful content, adds, “Sophie was 13 when she took her own life after encountering distressing content online. This Bill might not be the panacea for all online evils children face, but it’s an imperative step towards holding platforms accountable.”
The charity’s Young People’s Board for Change also passionately lobbied for the Bill, with members asserting, “The online realm should invariably be a sanctuary for everyone.”
As the Bill finds its place in law, the NSPCC remains unwavering in its dedication to ensuring it genuinely crafts a safer digital haven for children.
A PRIME seaside trading spot has been made available by Pembrokeshire County Council, offering a unique opportunity for an entrepreneur to operate an ice cream van at the popular Newgale Beach.
The council is inviting tenders for a licence to trade from the northern car park at Newgale between 1st March and 31st October each year. Applications must be submitted by 12:00 noon on Wednesday (Apr 30).
Located on the north-west coast of Pembrokeshire, Newgale Beach stretches for over 3 kilometres and is a favourite among surfers, swimmers, and families alike. Sporting events are frequently held on the beach during the summer months, drawing in large crowds and providing a strong footfall for potential ice cream sales.
The designated car parks at Newgale offer 230 spaces and are the closest surface car parks to the beach. Seasonal parking charges apply between March and October.
The council is seeking offers over £5,000 plus VAT per annum for the licence. Trading hours are expected to be between 11:00am and 7:00pm daily, although these times can be adjusted with the prior agreement of the Streetcare and Parking Manager.
The successful applicant will be allowed to sell principally ice cream, but soft drinks and confectionery may also be sold subject to approval. The sale of alcohol and hot food will not be permitted.
Interested parties are encouraged to visit the site before submitting their applications. An application form can be requested from the council’s Property Helpdesk. All offers will be considered up until the exchange of contracts, although the council is not obliged to accept the highest or any offer.
A TEMPLETON woman has admitted making repeated nuisance calls to emergency services and assaulting a police officer.
Ann Gatley, aged 78, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with two offences following incidents earlier this month.
The court heard that between April 7 and April 9, Gatley persistently misused the public communications network with the intention of causing annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety.
She was also charged with assaulting a female police officer in the Narberth area on April 9.
Gatley pleaded guilty to both offences when she appeared in court on Thursday (Apr 11).
Magistrates adjourned sentencing to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Gatley is due to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on May 6.
She was granted bail until that date, with a condition that she must not contact emergency services unless in a genuine emergency.
A MILFORD HAVEN man is set to stand trial accused of carrying a pocket knife with a blade exceeding the legal limit.
Lee Lock, 37, is alleged to have had the knife hidden beneath a car seat while driving through Honeyborough Industrial Estate, Neyland, on June 5, 2024.
The Crown Prosecution Service claims the blade measured 7.62 centimetres in length—over the 7 cm threshold permitted by law.
Lock appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week via video link from HM Swansea Prison, where he pleaded not guilty to possessing a knife blade in a public place.
His trial has been scheduled for June 9 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
Lock, of Coombs Road, Milford Haven, was remanded in custody due to concerns he may fail to surrender to bail.
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