THE internet was used as a gateway in the Thames Valley for offenders to commit 151 sex crimes against children last year. The youngest victim was eight, according to figures from Thames Valley Police. 

With many children receiving laptops and internet-related gifts this festive season, the NSPCC is putting out a warning this week encouraging parents to talk to their children about being safe online.

There has been a steep ride in calls to Childline about online sexual abuse.

In 2015/16 there were 3,716 Childline counselling sessions about online sexual abuse, a 24 per cent increase from 2014/15 (2,994 contacts on the issue). 

This issue has also increased by 250 per cent (1,061 sessions) over the past three years.

Colin Peak, the NSPCC's regional head of service for the East of England, writes about what parents should be looking for with the children's online use:

"With tablets, smart phones and games consoles appearing on many children’s Christmas lists, it would be fair to assume children will be spending more and more time online this festive period.

But as games, apps and social media sites are uploaded to new devices, can we really be sure our children are staying safe online?

We know children are becoming increasingly concerned about online sexual abuse from the increasing number of calls to Childline. Over the past three years, there has been a 25 per cent increase in the number of counselling sessions about online sexual abuse.

Some children contacted Childline because they felt trapped and ashamed by their situation and were too were frightened to talk to an adult. Some were being blackmailed, while others wrongly felt they were to blame because they have participated in their abuser’s actions.

Figures obtained by the NSPCC show last year in the Thames Valley Police area, the internet was used as a gateway by offenders to commit 151 sex crimes against children. The youngest victim was eight.

It is vital parents talk to their children about being safe online, spotting the signs of inappropriate behaviour, and how to report it.

Online sexual abuse can take the form of grooming, child sexual exploitation, sexting, being made to perform sex acts on webcam, meeting up in person, and viewing distressing sexually explicit content.

It is vital parents sit down together with their children regularly to talk about online safety and how to get help if they need it, especially at Christmas time when many will get new devices.

Parents and children should:

  • Explore sites and apps together.
  • Talk about things they might see online which make them feel uncomfortable
  • Talk about what is, and is not, ok to share online
  • Reassure them that you won't overreact – you're just looking out for them

The web can be a fantastic place for children and young people to socialise, explore their interests, and learn, but every parent buying an internet device should be aware there are risks too.

The NSPCC website has all the help you need to get to grips with online safety and installing parenting controls. Visit www.nspcc.org.uk to find out more.