Facebook has bowed to pressure from campaigners and included the option for a ‘panic button’ on UK users’ homepages, allowing them to report inappropriate behaviour to the child protection watchdog CEOP.

However, users have to ‘opt in’ to use the functionality, which provides a link to CEOP’s advice and reporting centre, by adding the app to their profile.

Jim Gamble, chief executive of CEOP, said: “Our dialogue with Facebook about adopting the ClickCEOP button is well documented – today however is a good day for child protection.  

“By adding this application, Facebook users will have direct access to all the services that sit behind our ClickCEOP button which should provide reassurance to every parent with teenagers on the site.”

The moved was welcomed by children’s charities. Barnardo’s welcomed the news via Twitter, while NSPCC chief executive Andrew Flanagan said: "CEOP’s innovative partnership with Facebook should be congratulated. Only by working together can we seriously tackle online child abuse and exploitation.”