The All Party Group (APG) will have representatives from a wide range of political parties and will hear directly from young people, families and experts on the harms facing children here and young people and what can be done to tackle them.

It will be officially launched at an event in September.

The Lagan Valley MLA has said: "As a parent, I know first-hand the importance of ensuring our children and young people are safe online. I wanted to bring MLAs together to hear what more needs to be done in a local context, and importantly start to act through policy and legislation.

"When I’m talking to parents, carers, teachers, children and young people, the issue of online safety comes up time and time again. Whether it be concerns about the impact of social media, online gaming, bullying and harassment, radicalisation, sexual exploitation, blackmailing, mental health and education, the issues are broad and complex and require cross-party action.

"I’m delighted that the NSPCC will be partnering with the APG, taking on the role of secretariat. Their influence and expertise across these islands will be invaluable in driving engagement.

"I’d encourage anyone with an interest in this area to get in touch with the APG. We’d particularly like to hear from children and young people about their experiences online, the harms they have faced and what we as policy makers should be focused on.”

Déarbhla Sloan from NSPCC added: “It is vital that we see greater prioritisation of the safety of our children online.

“We believe that proactive and timely measures must be urgently taken to respond to the increased online risks children are facing. We are delighted to be able to support the newly formed All Party Group on Online Safety for Children and Young People and look forward to working with the APG members, and other stakeholders, on this important matter.”