A nationwide campaign for parents to teach their children online safety inspired by the Green Cross Code has been launched as part of Safer Internet Day.
The move comes as studies show the growing penetration of broadband in children's bedrooms. Wireless broadband packages allow multiple broadband users within the home, making broadband connections in children's bedrooms ever easier.
Its 'Zip it, Block it, Flag it' message, similar to the simple advice offered for crossing roads in the 1970s, is key to the new Government campaign. Parents are encouraged to keep their children's online passwords private and teach them to block people who frighten or bully them, while regularly discussing if anything they have experienced online has upset them.
The UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) are leading the campaign launched in response to 2007's Byron Review, which found more than half (53%) of adults would like 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."
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."
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