The police and the NSPCC have teamed up as the need to warn young people about the risk of online grooming grows more intense.
They have produced a video, telling the true story of a girl they call Ellie, 12, who built up a friendship via social media with someone claiming to be a 15-year-old boy.
The person she was speaking to was in fact a man in his forties who ended up sexually assaulting her numerous times.
Detective Superintendent Nick John, head of Thames Valley Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said: “Ellie’s story is a powerful example of how something as simple as accepting a friend request from a person you don’t know online can escalate into something with serious consequences.
“The internet is a huge part of most of our lives, especially for the younger generation and while it brings a great deal of positive opportunities it can be misused by some people.
“This campaign isn’t about scaring people or telling them not to let their children use the internet. It’s about making everyone aware of the potential risks associated with children being online, ensuring they can spot the signs that may indicate a child is being abused and educating everyone on ways we can all help to keep them safe."
Emma Motherwell, NSPCC campaigns manager, said: “The internet offers so many great platforms for children to communicate and learn but as Ellie has highlighted by bravely sharing her story, it does have its dangers.
“That’s why it’s so important that parents talk to their children about their online world just as they do about their everyday lives, ensuring they are ready to listen and support them if something does go wrong."
You can follow the campaign via @ThamesVP on Twitter and the Thames Valley Police Facebook account using #HiddenHarm.
More information on the campaign and the signs of online child abuse can be found on our website - www.thamesvalley.police.uk/hiddenharm.
To host an NSPCC O2 online safety workshop for parents at your work, community venue or school email parentworkshops@nspcc.org.uk
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