Safer Internet Day is being marked around Europe with events to educate children and parents about net dangers.

Themed events will reveal the risks of sharing too much personal data and warn children that their virtual friends may not be who they say they are.

Public events will encourage parents to oversee their children's online life so they know who they are talking to.

In the UK schools were encouraged to run assemblies that discuss how children should behave online.

This is the fifth Safer Internet Day and this year more than 50 countries are expected to take part.

Prior to the day schools, youth groups and clubs were encouraged to undertake projects that get children thinking about what they do online and how to stay safe while they do.

Those taking part were asked to produce publicity materials, such as leaflets, posters and videos, which warn children about the dangers or emphasise safe net use. Cash prizes are on offer for those judged to have produced the best materials. Local authorities have also been running events to help educate parents.