Oslo - A Norwegian search service has launched the site Kvasir Junior (http://www.kvasir.no/jr/) which targets children aged six to 12 who want to explore the internet.

The aim is to give children a safe option and focuses on learning, information and entertainment.

"The internet offers great opportunities for children and youths, but also contains dangers," Ingrid Stover Jensen of Kvasir said in a statement.

The criteria for sites that can be registered on Kvasir Junior include "varied content" and even if the sites are geared towards adults, they can be accessed by older children if the language and quality is acceptable.

The sites also have to be up and running, and easy to use.

Information provided on the site should be free and objective, and the site should be kept up to date and not link to copy-righted material or gaming sites.

Websites offering offensive images, pornography or other unsuitable material are also off-limits, Kvasir said.

Kvasir is part of the Eniro group that offers yellow page directories, directory assistance, internet and mobile services in the Nordic region. (dpa)