A "One-Stop Shop" on internet safety aimed at policing the web for children is being launched today.
Some of the biggest names from industry and charities have joined forces with the government, parents and young people to help keep children safe online.
The UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) will scour the web for inappropriate content, take down illegal sites encouraging harmful behaviour and spearhead an awareness campaign.
The council will report directly to the Prime Minister and be tasked with tackling issues like online bullying and violent video games.
Westminster Children's Minister Ed Balls and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced that the council will comprise more than 100 industry, charity and government experts.
The council's executive board, comprising 20 members, will include Maggie Tierney, head of the Scottish Government's Child Protection Policy Unit.
The council been set up in response to a report by Dr Tanya Byron into how children and families can get the most from new technologies while protecting children from inappropriate or harmful material.
Mr Balls said the launch is "a significant achievement".
"We want to help children and young people to make the most of what all digital and interactive technologies can offer," he said.
"By putting in place the right support for children, young people and parents we can reduce much of the anxiety that exists around the internet. UKCCIS will enable everyone from parents to industry, government, education and children's welfare organisations to play their part in keeping children safe online."
Ms Smith said: "We are determined to do all we can to ensure that the internet environment is safe for children to use.
"Earlier this year, the Home Office published the first ever social networking guidance developed with industry, charities and law enforcement.
"The new UK Council builds on this by bringing together over 100 organisations all committed to keeping children safe online. By working in partnership we can intensify our efforts to protect young people."
Council members include the social networking site Bebo, the BBC, Microsoft, the NSPCC, Google and Disney.
Matthew Bishop from Microsoft said the industry had to work harder to ensure that the internet is a safe an environment for children.
"All of us who are concerned for the welfare of children, or have children of our own, welcome the formation of this council and its objective of protecting young people in the digital world," he said.
Dr Byron said: "Every parent will know that know that video games and the internet are a part of childhood like never before.
"This is extremely positive, giving kids the opportunities to learn to have fun and communicate in ways that previous generations could only dream of. But it can also present a huge challenge to parents and other adults involved in the welfare of children.
"That this why we need industry, regulators and parents to work together to protect children against the risks. I'm delighted that the Government along with industry, education, law enforcement, and the children's charities have acted so promptly to make this a reality."
The UKCCIS will report annually to the Prime Minister at the Child Internet Safety Summit.
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