A TAYSIDE father who created a “safe” social networking site after his daughter was bullied is to showcase his work at Holyrood.
Scottish Government MSPs and staff will learn more about website Kibooku, when its creator Jamie Tosh visits the Scottish Parliament on January 23.
The Arbroath developer invented the site after his daughter was targeted by cyber-bullies, and the project has since attracted worldwide attention.
North East MSP Alex Johnstone is sponsoring the event with the hope that other politicians will also get behind the initiative.
Mr Tosh said registration for the site costs just £3 per year, with a proportion of each fee being donated to the charity Cash for Kids.
“Most children reach the age where they start pestering their parents to join a chat room or social networking site and, amazingly, many parents are willing for them to lie about their age in order to sign up.
“The parents often think their child is safe, by befriending them on the site and casually overseeing what they’re up to but, with Kibooku, we have put control firmly in the hands of parents.
“If parents choose not to be involved, the site simply shuts down in the interests of the child.”
Kibooku aims to allow children between the ages of six and 13 to use a social networking site in a safe but fun way, while giving parents peace of mind about their children’s online activities.
Parents must review their child’s account every two weeks through a personal viewing platform which shows all current and deleted items.
Mr Johnstone said: “Cyber-bullying can have a profound impact on children and in the worst cases it can lead to tragic consequences.
“I see Kibooku as an important step forward in keeping kids safe online, and after I met Mr Tosh who demonstrated how the site works, I felt that other MSPs from across Scotland should also have the opportunity to see it for themselves.
“That’s why I was delighted to invite Mr Tosh to the Scottish Parliament and I will be encouraging all MSPs to come along and find out more about Kibooku.”
Only an adult can validate an account using a credit card processed with security.
If a card is used which does not match the address, then the person cannot proceed to use the site.
Mr Johnstone added: “One of the worst aspects of cyber-bullying is that it does not just take place in the street or the playground, it can continue while the child is at home so there is no refuge or ‘escape’ from the bullying, with parents often unaware that it is going on.
“Anything that helps stop this is very much to be welcomed, and I believe that Kibooku could have an important role to play in dealing with what can be pernicious and distressing behaviour.”
gbletcher@thecourier.co.uk