STEPHEN Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, attended a meeting in Parliament with Facebook and online safety campaigners Internet Matters.

The event marked a new partnership between Facebook and Internet Matters, who have joined forces to ensure that children have a positive experience online.

Mr Metcalfe talked to representatives of Facebook about the Facebook Parents Portal, a major new resource that gives parents, teachers and guardians the tools they need to ensure the children in their care are safe on Facebook.

He also met with Internet Matters general manager Carolyn Bunting to discuss their work to keep children safe.

Also attending the event was anti-bullying charity the Diana Awards. Mr Metcalfe met four Diana Awards anti-bullying ambassadors, who told him about their efforts to eliminate bullying and engage students in social action online.

Mr Metcalfe said: “Online safety is an issue which affects families across the country.

"It is vital that parents and children use the resources available to them to deal with issues like sexting, online pornography and cyberbullying.

“It is great news that Facebook and Internet Matters are working together to make sure that this happens.

"I would encourage everyone concerned about the online environment to go to the Facebook Safety Centre and the new Parents Portal.”

Internet Matters general manager Carolyn Bunting said: “We are delighted that Stephen Metcalfe MP attended our event to learn more about how we help parents keep their children safe online.

"The internet offers children an astonishing number of ways to connect, create, learn, and have fun, and it is vital that we support families on how best to help their children have a safe and age-appropriate experience.”