The scheme focuses on how to avoid threatening encounters online

Chat Safe aims to highlight ways in which pupils can use the internet for their school work and remain alert to dangers online.

They are distributing free information packs to schools across the county as part of the campaign.

The pack contains a 20 minute video, which includes television news footage of the conviction and imprisonment of chat room abusers.

Chat Safe is being backed by Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridgeshire Police and the RAF in the county.

Internet 'potentially dangerous'

Christine Welburn, from the council's Education Protection Service, said although the internet is exciting, it could be potentially dangerous.

"Chat Safe is a powerful way of alerting children to the possible dangers of the internet in a non-alarmist way," she said.

Detective Inspector George Collins of Cambridgeshire Police is convinced prevention is better than cure.

He said: "The problem with the internet is that these people can prey on young children and gain access to these children.

"What we need to do is to try and ensure the children are aware and don't make contact in the first place."