GLOUCESTERSHIRE Constabulary has been engaging with parents on social media, about the dangers of children taking and sending nude pictures, an activity known as sexting.

Recent reports have shown children as young as eight in the county have shared nude images of themselves via social media, mobile phone apps or over text.

Over the past week the Constabulary has posted videos on both Facebook and Twitter which discussed why teenagers might be sexting/sending nude selfies, how to talk to them about it, when to be worried and what to do in the event that something goes wrong.

Digital Investigations and Intelligence Detective Inspector Brett Mallon said: "Sexting is now very common amongst teenagers, particularly through apps such as Snapchat; with research suggesting as many as one in five children aged 12 or over having done this.

"Children may think that sending these images and videos is harmless and won't go further than the person they've sent them to. However almost every single week, I've seen this go wrong, with the pictures shared onward and seen by everybody at school, friends or family."

He added: "We've recently seen children as young as eight have their images shared across the internet in just a few hours, with limited control in stopping it.

"Too often sharing just one picture will lead to being blackmailed for more - or doing things that you don't want to."

Over a six week period (November 20 to the first week of January) there have been at least 12 incidents reported to the Constabulary "where sexting has gone wrong and pictures have been shared and circulated".

DI Mallon said: "Anyone sending a naked picture or video of a child is breaking the law – even if it is of themselves. If you send on a nude picture of your classmate, this is breaking the law and bullying.

"This is to protect children from putting themselves in harms' way – we do not want to criminalise children and will treat children who have been pressured into this as victims. We want to educate and offer support."

Parents and carers who have not seen the four Thinkuknow videos shared online last week can view them, and other supporting materials, by visiting: http://bit.ly/talkaboutnudes

Any parent or carer who is worried about the way someone has been communicating with their child online can visit the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) command website at: http://bit.ly/ceophelp

Any child or teenager who is concerned about this should speak to their parents, school or police by calling 101 or emailing 101@gloucestershire.police.uk