Your Life Line

According to the UK police organisation, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), offenders will typically make contact in a chat area and then try to get a child into an e-mail or other one-on-one arena.

"Research suggests that children who are 'groomed' online tend to be teenagers. Studies such as those by David Finkelhor suggest the profile of children most likely to be victims is that of a girl aged between 13 and 15," said Jo Bryce.

"In 80% of cases, the girl knew that the man was older than her by the time she went to meet him.

"An offender might draw them in, at first saying they were just a few years older, then adding a few more. It's horribly manipulative and devious, getting them hooked on an emotional level first."

For children at primary school, where the latest educational campaign from the CEOP is aimed, parents can at least take comfort from knowing that their children are generally with them or with someone they know well.

But as parent Kate explains, even comparatively mild online experiences can leave you feeling that your child or family is vulnerable.

"For a responsible parent, who tries to keep their child safe and well, it is deeply disturbing to have your peace invaded by people you believe to be out to entrap children.

there are probably many vulnerable children out there who do not have someone checking who they are talking to on the internet. That's why such educational campaigns are so valuable."

Jo Bryce says technology is moving fast, creating more ways offenders can find victims - but so are defences.

"It's like an arms race: technology makes it easier for abusers to find victims but at the same time, awareness is being raised too, hopefully reducing the risk."

For someone who had her 14yr old daughter experienc this through the internet said "For a while it freaked me out. I am not a big worrier, but this was a new unknown threat, one I thought I had little control over.

"I didn't want to ban the messaging. The internet is here to stay and I decided I just had to help educate my daughter to the dangers without scaring her.

"There will be greater potential dangers online in the future. Maybe they will amount to the same thing: people pretending to be other people to lure the vulnerable - children or adults - and this may be good preparation for dealing with that."

CEOP online safety tips for parents

Tips for children/young people

Never give out any personal information under any circumstances

Experts recommend that you do not use a PC and/or laptop in your bedoom

Make sure you know how to do all the above

Never agree to meet someone face to face from the intenet especially in secret, or without an adult/parent being present.