17 October 2005

New guidelines outlining the design of information communication technologies (ICT) for young children have been issued.

Published by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), the guide hopes to ensure ease of use and a high degree of safety for new child focussed products currently in development.

With children as young as four or five having access to the Internet and advanced next generation mobile phones, the ETSI saw the need to monitor and standardise technology designed specifically for young children.

"Children under 12 years of age are becoming a significant consumer group for advanced computing and communications services," explains Anne Clarke, leader of the ETSI task force.

The guidelines provide advice on the design of technology to take into account the young child's understanding of instructions and their ability to navigate Internet content.

The guide marks the first step of a long-term ETSI initiative, the next step being to build a consensus on how service providers can regulate Internet content to fit the needs of young children.

© Adfero Ltd

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