An interesting idea thats just been launched, lets hope that it can add to other measures to defend the childhood experiece for our children from potential predators.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/5238992.stmA virtual ID card designed to improve children's net safety has been launched in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.
The NetIDMe card can be swapped by children online when using chatrooms, instant messaging and social networks.
Parents and children can apply for the card using credit card details and a form countersigned by a professional who knows the child concerned.
It is hoped that the card will make it harder for adults to pose as children when online.
The system can only work if two children messaging each other online have both signed up to the scheme.
Children swap their assigned NetID nicknames and take turns to log onto the service's website.
The IDs are confirmed only if both parties have entered their e-mail address and passwords into the service.
This seems the best advice
"We would advise all parents and young people to remain vigilant to potential dangers and ensure no personally identifiable information is shared with online strangers."
There is no point in pretending there is zero danger online, its best to teach the young of the dangers involved when using chat services and perhaps supervise them once in a while, paying £10 a year may be acceptable to some parents but I am sure it is leading them into a false sense of security in the long term.
If you are interested take a peek here for the details
http://www.netidme.com/netidme.asp.
