The US Senate has approved a plan to create a kid friendly internet sub-domain free of violence, pornography and other adult material.

According to Reuters, the Senate has approved a bill that would set up an area within the .us domain that would allow only those sites deemed appropriate for children up to the age of 12.

The bill must win approval in the House of Representatives again, which could happen as soon as Thursday.

A website bearing an address such as 'www.fred.kids.us' would have to certify that it does not contain material unsuitable for children.

Sites in the domain would be prohibited from linking to sites outside it, and could not set up chat rooms, instant messaging or other interactive services unless they prove that they do not expose children to paedophiles or other online dangers.