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News Burst: Safe surfing tests proposed to protect kids

Wendy McAuliffe ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 30 Jan 2001 12:22 GMT

British children should take a "surfing proficiency test" at the age of 11 to allow them a filter-free ride on the cyberhighway, a leading thinktank recommended Tuesday.

The test proposed by the Institute of Public Policy Research is intended to educate children in the dangers of communicating with strangers in Internet chatrooms so that filters on classroom computers can be removed. The test is the culmination of a week-long course into how to surf safely.

Pupils who passed the test would be allowed less restricted access to the Internet than is currently allowed in schools. The proposal has not yet been approved by government.

Full story to follow.

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