A WEBSITE which will allow youngsters to surf the internet in safety has been developed with help of research by the Cyberspace Research Unit at Preston's University of Central Lancashire.

The new child safety website, at www.websafecrackerz.com, was unveiled today (Thursday) by computer giant Microsoft.

It comes after the closure of Microsoft's Internet chat rooms, last September, over fears that paedophiles could use the sites to 'groom' children. Rachel O'Connell, director of the Cyberspace Research Unit at the University of Central Lancashire, said: "This resource will allow more communication between parents and children, and as such it makes an invaluable contribution to the whole issue of internet safety

"Microsoft has made a step to rectify the deficit in knowledge of young people today who are often using technologies without the proper frames of reference of what to expect and what is acceptable.

"Companies need to be proactive, though, in safeguarding children from the potential negative consequences of using technology.

"We cannot stop children using the technology but can empower them with the knowledge, tools and skills to navigate it safely."

The university cyber department has also put together a paper entitled, Cyber Stalking, Abusive Cyber Sex and On-line Grooming: proposing a programme of education for teens. It outlines steps young people can take to minimise dangers they might discover on-line and includes information on what paedophiles do to target victims, and how the law can be applied to abusive on-line situations. Log onto www.uclan.ac.uk/cru for details.