A website providing teenagers, parents and educators with internet safety tips was created by the Government and launched yesterday.

The website, Cybertips.bm, will provide practical tips, resources and contact information as well as advocating responsible use of the internet and how to guard against online predators and other inappropriate content.

Announcing the website yesterday, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce Terry Lister said: "We in Bermuda enjoy an information communications technology sector that ranks among the world's most advanced. However, while this Government believes in the importance of promoting technology and the use of the internet, it is imperative to promote responsibility and ensuring a safe online experience.

"Today I'm pleased to announce the launch of a new website that will become one of Bermuda's main tools in our efforts to promote safe online practices. By knowing the dangers and how to avoid them, you can take advantage of all the positive aspects of the Internet while avoiding its pitfalls."

The website also allows members of the public to report any incidents of child pornography or the sexual exploitation of children online directly to the Police or to the confidential Crime Stoppers organisation.

Cybertips.bm contains information on the child protection legislation passed in early 2007, as well as information about different aspects of online safety, including fraud, cell phone safety, gaming, identity theft and how to safely navigate social network sites such as Facebook.

It provides parents with technology they can use to keep track of their children's activities as well as areas of concern they may want to discuss with their children. The site also appeals directly to teenagers.

One of the tips states: "Sure, today you might not be planning to become a movie star, contestant on "American Idol", or politician, disgraced by a racy photo that was posted as a joke years earlier, but that doesn't mean that 10 years from now you want to be reminded of that time that you bared a little more of your soul or body, or insensitive jokes online, than you should have. As well, remember that potential employers, colleges, and scholarship committees can search you online as easily as your best friends can. Make sure they'll like what they see."

The website incorporates material provided to the Government as part of an agreement with Microsoft Corporation to use their full package of materials designed to educate people about online safety, especially children. Also included are commercials that will be aired on CITV.

Logic Communications has partnered with the Government and is covering the costs of hosting the website. Cable and Wireless Ltd, Fort Knox Bermuda Ltd., North Rock Communications Ltd. TeleBermuda International Limited, Transact Ltd., CellularOne, Digicel and M3 Wireless have also participated in the programme. Advertising agency emedia designed the website and is also a corporate sponsor in this initiative.

Vicki Coelho, general manager of North Rock Communications Ltd. said: "On behalf of the ISP carrier community, we are thrilled to participate in the launch of the Cybertips website. Online safety of the internet is of great importance to us. We have welcomed the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce, Department of E-Commerce.

"The Department of E-Commerce consulted the ISPs in ensuring that a code of conduct dealing with child protection was developed, defined and implemented. In addition all the ISPs have a highly visible online security link on their websites."

The Bermuda Police Service was also very involved in developing the programme. Acting Deputy Commissioner Bryan Bell said: "Child exploitation and child pornography is the vilest aspect of the internet, this terrible abuse is perpetuated every time someone logs onto or supports such sites.

"Such crimes committed in Bermuda will be pursued relentlessly. "