First there was the Green Cross Code, but now parents are being told to teach their children the Digital Code for online safety.

The UK government's new nationwide campaign, launched as part of today's Safer Internet Day, delivers the three-step message "Zip it, Block it, Flag it" inspired by the simple Green Cross Code, first taught to a generation of children in the 1970s.

The government, charities and the computer industry have come together to encourage parents to keep their children's online passwords private, to teach their children to block people who bully or frighten them and to regularly ask if they have seen anything online that has upset them.

The UK Council for Child Internet Safety is heading the campaign in response to the Byron Review - published in 2007 - which found 53 per cent of adults want 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."

Computer giant Microsoft announced it is backing Safer Internet Day with the launch of a customised version of its popular browser software, promising safer surfing for children.

The new version of Internet Explorer 8, called Click Clever Click Safe, was developed in partnership with the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.

The browser includes a Ceop tab on the screen at all times for instant information on issues such as cyberbullying or to report inappropriate or sexual content. It also comes with safety links and websites preloaded in the Favourites bar.

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."