The former host of House of Tiny Tearaways has been put in charge of the first stage in the government's review into the effects of media on children.

Clinical psychologist and mother of two Dr Tanya Byron will chair the review, which will be looking at ways to help parents teach their kids to use the internet and associated media in a way that protects them from inappropriate imagery. It covers video games, all online material, and video content made for mobile phones and the internet.

Byron will draw on advice from industry experts and a range of industry and regulatory bodies. Sponsored by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the review is part of the government's ten-year 'children's plan'.

"The internet is a powerful and positive tool for children in terms of their learning and ongoing development. However, we must all enable our children to use the possibility presented by the internet in a way that is both positive and safe. Therefore it is essential that parents and anyone involved in the care and development of young people are familiar with the material they will access and view and of the potential and actual risks therein," Byron said.

Media secretary James Purnell said: "Many parents are worried about what their children may be accessing online. We want to work with them and the industry to see what more could be done to give parents the tools and advice they need. We already have protections in place for broadcasters and video but the development of the internet has brought new challenges. It is right that we keep pace with these changes."

A separate review is to be conducted into children and TV, with particular focus on the current 9pm watershed, details of which will be announced soon.