POLICE in Cumbria have issued a warning to parents after being shocked at the lengths criminals go to in order to speak to youngsters online.

This week, Cumbria Constabulary is highlighting ways in which they help protect children in the county whilst they are online.

One of the key methods in which police attempt to prevent child sex offences is by educating children, and parents, of the dangers online and offering expert advice on how to defend themselves.

Officers work closely with schools, youth clubs and other partner agencies to share crucial safety precautions that parents can take to protect their children. With just over two months until Christmas many parents will be asked for the latest tech gifts such as tablets, smartphones and game consoles.

It is vitally important that parents consider the safety measures that they can put in place and also that they continually communicate once there children have these gifts.

Inspector Jon Sherlock, Cumbria Constabulary’s Community Safety Unit, said: “Most people, including children, will use devices which offer quick and easy access to the internet on a daily basis. Therefore it is becoming increasingly more vital that parents take a keen interest in what their children are viewing and accessing online.

“There are people who will use the internet to target and groom children. We, as a police force, view educating both children and parents on the dangers that lurk online as a high priority.

"We work closely with partner agencies, including schools and youth clubs, to directly warn children of these dangers and also continually offer advice to parents on how they can help protect their children.

“With Christmas not far away, many parents across Cumbria will be asked by their children for the latest tablet, smartphone or gaming console. It is important that parents consider the safety measures that they can put in place before buying such gifts.

“One of our key pieces of advice is to communicate with your child on what they are doing online and who they are interacting with. By doing so, you will then be able to discourage them from talking with complete strangers if that is the case.

"I’d like to directly urge parents and guardians to the fact that you can be the first line of defence in protecting your child.”

Top tips for parents include:

Stay up-to-date. Ask about your child’s new gadgets, apps and websites – it is important to be aware of new technologies and developments that your child may be using.

Set boundaries. Treat the online world as you would the ‘real’ world – consider what or who they may see, share and communicate with, as well as how long they spend online.

Know what connects to the internet and how. Today many technologies connect to the internet – including TVs and games consoles.

Check how they are accessing the internet – if it is through a neighbour’s Wi-Fi, your security settings may not be applied.

Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “We all know and tell our children and grandchildren not to talk to a stranger and it is even more important online. Since taking Office in May I’ve been shocked at the lengths some criminals go to in order to speak to children online.

“Just taking a few minutes to follow the advice issued by the Constabulary will go a long way to protecting young people online.”