TV presenter Carol Vordeman today helped launch a scheme to give new protection for children from unsuitable material on the internet in schools.

Learning and Technology Minister Michael Wills and Ms Vorderman backed new guidance for schools to be displayed on the DfEE's internet safety website covering issues such as e-mails for pupils, censoring software, school websites and chat rooms.

The revised guidance to schools recommends whole class rather than individual e-mail addresses. Pupils will, however, continue to have individual e-mail addresses within school and Local Education Authority intranets.

The guidance also stipulates that no children should be identified by name or by other personal details and schools are advised to think carefully before posting pictures of children on their websites.

Learning and Technology Minister Michael Wills said: "As the internet continues to develop, we must remain constantly vigilant in our efforts to protect children against those who would abuse it.

"The internet and e-mail are powerful tools to open up new opportunities for people of all ages. The Government wants everyone to have access to the wealth of cultural, scientific and intellectual material to be found on the internet.

"But we are equally determined to ensure that pupils are protected from unsuitable material and that they can access appropriate material safely."

Miss Vorderman, who recently investigated the danger of paedophiles who stalk the web, added: "This is an issue which is exploding, and I'm hugely impressed by the speed of the reaction from the DfEE.

"I think schools and teachers will welcome this guidance, as many are unsure themselves as to the best thing to do. The priority must be the protection of children."

Meanwhile another report out this week warned parents get Net savvy and keep PCs out of bedrooms and in family rooms so that parents could more easily monitor what their children were looking at on the Web.

Detective Chief Superintendent Keith Ackerman, chairman of the report's authors, the Internet Crime Forum, said: "You would not let your child invite someone into your home that they or you didn't know. Yet children can frequently be 'chatting' online in their bedroom to complete strangers."

But urging parents not to panic and attacking Misss Vorderman's "over the top" views about Net dangers, he added: "Lots of chatrooms are wonderful opportunities for youngsters to communicate with each other throughout the world."