Parents urged to watch their child's online activities

Sussex Police is urging parents to check who their children are speaking to online after a number of reports of children being persuaded to send indecent images of themselves to people.

Officers have been contacted by parents concerned that children in West Sussex using the social messaging system Kik have been approached by people posing as older teenagers.

The children have then been encouraged to take indecent images of themselves and to send them to the people they have been befriended by. They have also been asked to meet those who have contacted them.

Officers are investigating the incidents as potential cases of child grooming.

A police spokesman said: “We have had reports that children in West Sussex are being approached by adults online while they are using a social messaging system called Kik.

“The young people can download Kik for free to their iPhone or Android phone and make contact with people around the world.

“Girls as young as 12 have been persuaded to send indecent images of themselves after being befriended by people claiming to be older teenagers who have also encouraged the children to meet them in person.

“It is unclear how old those who have been approaching the children really are or whether they have asked for the images for their own entertainment or to pass among others.

“We are concerned they may pose a risk to them.

“I would urge parents to speak to their children to warn them about the dangers of making friends online, sending indecent images of themselves and in particular agreeing to meet people who they have only met online.

“Anyone who has any information about adults contacting children online inappropriately should call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”