Police urge parents to talk to their children about online safety

Follows reports that young people are sending body images over social media

Parents are being urged to speak to their children about being safe online after reports that some are sending pictures of their bodies over social media.

Police say there is a concern that young people are being ‘harmed’ if they’re being forced to do this or if they’re doing it willingly.

Officers have also highlighted that both the sender and receiver of the images could be committing offences.

They’re asking people to report any incidents to the social media platforms, and to police, saying ‘it is not an invasion of your child’s privacy if it is keeping them safe’.

A police spokesperson has confirmed to Manx Radio that neighbourhood officers have regular input into the Island’s primary and secondary schools as part of their patrols.

This includes delivering lessons within the educational establishments on a range of topics including sexting, peer pressure, consequences, anti-social behaviour, risk taking, drugs, knife crime and alcohol.