Computer retailers in the North were told today they should issue guidelines on the Internet to their customers to counter the activities of paedophiles.
SDLP Assembly member Ms Patricia Lewsley made the proposal after a £1 million month-long television, radio and online advertising campaign was begun highlighting the potential dangers of Internet chatrooms.
Ms Lewsley said: "Parents do not let their children speak or meet with strangers face to face but also need to be as vigilant in terms of Internet safety".
The campaign asks parents to make sure their children understand the implications of communicating with strangers in cyberspace.
British Home Office minister Ms Hilary Benn said: "Parents can play a role in making their children aware that strangers on the Internet may not always be who they say they are.
"The messages to children are clear: do not give out personal contact details online and never meet up with someone you have met online unless accompanied by an adult".
The month-long advertising campaign is the second phase of the British government's "Safer Surfing" strategy, started last year.
PA