A campaign to raise awareness about online safety among children has been launched by police.

The Stay Safe Online project was unveiled today at Pirie Park primary school in Glasgow.

Police Scotland hopes that the campaign can help children aged between nine and sixteen improve their knowledge and understanding of how to keep safe while they are online.

It also aims to educate parents, teachers and carers.

Detective chief inspector William Cravens said: "Police Scotland is committed to building safer virtual communities for everyone.

"We want to help children to enjoy the benefits of the internet by being able to stay safe online.

"All children and young people need to understand they should only share pictures online that they are happy with friends, family and others seeing.

"They also need to know how to keep their personal information private and to contact an adult if they feel threatened."

Those aged nine to 12 will receive ten top tips from a cartoon character, Digi Dan, who is an internet explorer and knows everything about staying safe online, police said.

The tips include keeping phones, laptops or tablets secure by using a password or PIN and not talking to strangers or making friends with strangers on social media.

Digi Dan's Top Tips are available at www.digidan.co.uk.

Older children will also receive advice about keeping safe online, including tips on password security, social media posting, sexting, how to deal with inappropriate pictures and who to contact for help.

Packs for youngsters including leaflets, posters, mouse mats and water bottles will be distributed to schools across Scotland promoting Digi Dan and his website.

Officers said that any child who feels at risk or is worried should speak to a parent, guardian or teacher or can phone Police Scotland on 101 or Childline on 0800 1111.