Sky Broadband is offering contract holders the chance to download a parental control system to safe-guard their children against online predators.

The provider is making the Sky Parental Alert feature available on its website, meaning broadband users can enjoy some reassurance when their children are surfing the web.

Instant messaging programmes, online chat rooms, social networking sites and online gaming addresses can be monitored and checked for any inappropriate content.

If the system picks up any language which could mean a child broadband user is under threat, parents will immediately be alerted.

"Sky is committed to protecting the security and safety of our online users, especially children," said Sandy Winarko, Sky’s online senior product manager.

He added: "Parents often worry about their children's safety online, as children use the internet everyday for education, entertainment, and communication."