CHILDREN as young as nine have received indecent images on their mobile phones during lockdown in Cumbria.

Police said as families have been forced to stay indoors to protect themselves from coronavirus they have received numerous reports of indecent images being sent to children.

Children are spending more time online which can make them even more vulnerable to receiving inappropriate messages and images.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: “We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents of the importance of making sure your child is safe online, especially when using social media apps and online gaming.

“Technology changes all the time as does the popularity of apps and websites, so keeping on top of what your child is doing when they are using mobile phones and other devices is important.”

The spokesman said it was important to stay up-to-date, be aware of new technologies that your child may be using, and to have access to your children’s social media account passwords if they are old enough to have their own.

The NSPCC website has useful information on how to apply parental controls to devices, how to talk to your children about online safety and updates on popular apps and websites that your child may be using.

To access this vital information, visit the NSPCC website at: www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Report any illegal content by calling 101 or by emailing: 101@cumbria.police.uk