Parents are being told to teach children as young as five the dangers of the internet as part of a campaign to mark Safer Internet day.
The Government's new nationwide campaign, launched as part of today's Safer Internet Day, delivers the three-step message 'Zip it, Block it, Flag it' - inspired by the simple Green Cross Code, first taught to a generation of children in the 1970s.
A series of cartoons will try to get the message across to the five-to-seven year age group, 80 per cent of whom are estimated to use the internet.
Government, charities and the computer industry have come together to encourage parents to keep their children's online passwords private, to teach their children to block people who bully or frighten them and to regularly ask if they have seen anything online that has upset them.
The UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) is heading the campaign in response to the Byron Review - published in 2007 - which found 53% of adults want better information about the internet.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls said: ''The internet is a fantastic tool for young people and can open their eyes to tremendous opportunities. But it's important that parents and children understand the risks involved with using the internet, as with any area of life.''
Computer giant Microsoft announced it is backing Safer Internet Day with the launch of a customized version of its popular browser software, promising safer surfing for children. Google posted a link on its home page to safety tips.
The new version of Internet Explorer 8, called Click Clever Click Safe, was developed in partnership with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop).
The browser includes a Ceop tab on the screen at all times for instant information on issues such as cyber bullying or to report inappropriate or sexual content. It also comes with safety links and websites preloaded in the Favorites bar.
Matthew Bishop, marketing officer at Microsoft, said: ''As a father myself, online safety is an issue very close to my heart, which is why I am personally committed to making sure we develop the right tools to help make the internet a safer place.''
Jim Gamble, chief executive officer of Ceop, added: ''Internet safety advice needs to be at your fingertips and not hidden away. Parents and children should not have to go searching through numerous web pages to find the help they need.
''The new Ceop-customised Internet Explorer 8 browser will embed advice, help and report services directly into the toolbar to provide a constant, reassuring presence for families who will be one click away from the support they need.''
:: Internet Explorer 8 Click Clever Click Safe can be downloaded free at www.clickceop.net/ie8
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