A customised version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 web browser has been developed to promote online safety for families.

Internet Explorer 8 Click Clever, Click Safe was developed with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop) after research from Microsoft revealed almost seven in 10 under 18-year-olds have been contacted online by a stranger.

More than a third admitted to responding to these contacts, but almost six in 10 (58 per cent) said their parents do nothing to limit or control their use of the internet.

Jim Gamble, the chief executive officer of Ceop, said: “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 customised browser, launched as part of Internet Safety Day, aims to help raise awareness of the potential dangers the internet poses including bullying, malicious software, cyber crime and hacking.

The new browser has a 'Web Slice' in the toolbar that provides access to a web feed (or news feed).

This allows people to access frequently updated data from certain websites. Relevant advice is also broken down by age groups so families can understand what is appropriate for their children.

Other features include a favourites bar, which links to useful sites such as Ceop. The Click Ceop button allows people to report concerns and possible online child abuse directly to the UK agency, which works both nationally and with international partners to combat online child abuse.

Other features available include information on parental controls so that parents can restrict Internet use by their children.

Microsoft's research shows that 41 per cent of parents do not know whether their child has privacy settings enabled on their social network pages.

Matthew Bishop, Business and Marketing Officer at Microsoft, said: “As a father, 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.

"Internet Explorer 8 Click Clever Click Safe has been designed with the sole purpose of providing young people and parents with easy ways of finding information on how to stay safer online.

"As more and more young people are learning, playing and communicating online, it is vital we provide the appropriate safety information as we know this is one of the most effective ways of helping to protect people.”