The site, created by the children's charity NCH, attempts to "demystify" the divorce process for children and offer a wide range of advice and information on how to cope.

I like the way the website shows that the split up between adults is not the child's fault

David, aged 14

Funded by the Lord Chancellor's department, it has been created following extensive consultation with young people.

NCH mediation advisor Vicky Leach, who put the site together, said it was designed to make children feel comfortable about the subject and enable them to talk to parents more easily about their concerns.

She said: "Research tells us that at the time when parents are separating, generally it's the children that don't get told about it."

My fault?

Ms Leach said the lack of explanation often led children to believe it was their fault, hence the name and address of the site: itsnotyourfault.org.

The site, which Ms Leach believes is the first of its kind, has three sections aimed at children, teenagers and adults themselves.

The message given out by children was that they wanted their parents to be respectful to one another and to them, she said.

"It's not separating that's damaging to children but the unresolved, ongoing conflict that's potentially very damaging."

The site also unravels the legal jargon surrounding divorce, so that children can better understand what from their viewpoint is often a confusing process.

Children involved

When developing the website, NCH consulted with children and young people on its content.

Younger users are introduced to friendly icon Patch the dog, who guides them through the range of emotions they may be feeling, such as anger, sadness, confusion and guilt.

Expert advice is featured alongside other children sharing their stories.

NCH hopes the initiative will reach every child in the UK that needs it, via home, school or library Internet access.

Fourteen-year-old David was six when his parents split up.

David said: "Having internet access and a website like this would have been really useful.

"I like the way the website shows that the split-up between adults is not the child's fault - this is the way adults should explain things to children!" he said.