More than 200 people have officially reported abuse on Facebook in the last month, compared to just 28 the month before.

And this sevenfold increase is being attributed to the introduction of the ClickCEOP button - dubbed the `panic button` - which was launched on the social-networking site on 12 July.

According to CEOP, more than 55,000 members downloaded the application in its first month.

By clicking the ClickCEOP button, members, parents and carers get access to support and help on issues lsuch as bullying, viruses and hacking.

They will also find details about their local police force, contact specially trained CEOP officers and get direct links to other help services such as Childline and Beatbullying.

BDST: 1715 HRS, 14 August 2010