Computer experts keep children safe

PROTECTING children from paedophiles is all in a day's work for a Yorkshire-based firm of computer experts.

MC Ware and HD Forensics, based in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, is launching its new package, Child Internet Safety (CIS), today to coincide with Safer Internet Day.

The day has been organised by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) to raise awareness about the need to protect young people who use the internet.

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MC Ware and HD Forensics' system makes it easier to filter out unsuitable internet content. The company is supporting an educational programme for pupils, teachers and parents to make them aware of the importance of internet security.

The new technology uses a programme that studies a computer network for any internet trends so that unsuitable material can be filtered out.

The Government has made e-safety – or internet safety – a statutory element in the primary curriculum from 2011.

Mr Wheatley, who is a chartered member of the British Computer Society, said: "E-safety has become of critical importance in recent months and schools are having to react quickly to the growing problem. The internet is now commonplace in schools and is used regularly by young people to help with their studies. However, there has been a worrying increase in misuse which can lead to young people becoming subject to unsuitable material and, sadly, paedophiles. That's why we're supporting Safer Internet Day and the new public awareness campaign."

MC Ware and HD Forensics, established in 1998, employs 14 staff at its offices in Stokesley.

It specialises in computer forensics, disaster recovery, telephone systems and web and internet design.