THE first internet safety training initiative has been launched by the University of Central Lancashire.

The scheme aimed at educating parents, children and teenagers, will be included in the university's summer school series of programmes.

The Cyberspace Research Unit, based at the university, is leading the way in instructing teenagers and their parents about the psychological, technical, educational and communication aspects of the web.

A set of safety guidelines have been drawn up and are already available on-line.

The move comes in the same week that Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien, who plays Sarah Louise Platt in the soap, launched a drive to warn children of the dangers of internet stalkers.

Her character is currently being snared by a paedophile who she met in an internet chat room

Rachel O'Connell, head of the Cyberspace Research Unit, is part of a Home Office task force researching paedophile activity on the internet.

She said: "Our aim is to ensure that parents and children are equipped with the knowledge and tools which will enable them to chat safely on the internet and uncover information about other users.

"Having the issue highlighted by Coronation Street will help people to understand on-line dangers."