Ministers to review child online safety laws

Ministers in Jersey will look for gaps in online child protection laws after a scrutiny panel study into internet safety made almost 40 recommendations.

The government said keeping young people safe from harm online was one of its "highest priorities" and that it would take "practical steps to strengthen protections for young people in Jersey".

Some of the findings made by the children and education scrutiny panel found safeguarding for emerging technologies like AI were needed and education systems required clearer guidance and investment to protect young people online.

Out of the 38 recommendations made by the panel, the government accepted 12, partially agreed to 23 and rejected three.

The government said in response to the review it had launched its new website DigiSafe Jersey to give support and advice about how to stay safe online and that it planned to update guidance for schools and youth services.

Deputy Malcolm Ferey, assistant minister for children and families, said the website was a "fantastic example of collaboration".

He said: "The launch of DigiSafe Jersey reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding and empowering Islanders in an increasingly digital world.

"This will be a resource that will continue to be updated to benefit the entire community."

Ministers said they also welcomed the support of Jersey's telecommunication providers for recognising "the important role they can help play, especially in educating parents to set-up safer online environments in the home".

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