Facebook users in the UK can download a tool that offers direct access to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) website.

The app is aimed especially at the age groups 13 to 18 years, but anyone can use it to get internet safety advice and also directly report instances of suspected grooming or inappropriate sexual behaviour.

The application, which can be bookmarked or added to ‘Favourites’ when downloaded, will be backed by a new CEOP page that, when ‘liked’, hopes to encourage young people to help raise the profile of online safety.

The move is also being supported by extensive advertising on Facebook that will encourage use of the application by younger users.

This will include an automatic message appearing on every homepage of Facebook members aged between 13 to 18 years inviting them to add the application.