As new figures reveal 100 sex crimes were committed against children in Norfolk via the internet in 2016/17, Sarah Lambley, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for Norfolk, is encouraging parents to talk about online safety.

'Some children contacted Childline because they felt trapped and ashamed by their situation and were too were frightened to talk to an adult,' she said. 'Some were being blackmailed, while others wrongly felt they were to blame because they have participated in their abuser's actions.

'It is vital parents talk to their children about being safe online, spotting the signs of inappropriate behaviour, and how to report it.

'Online sexual abuse can take the form of grooming, child sexual exploitation, sexting, being made to perform sex acts on webcam, meeting up in person, and viewing distressing sexually explicit content.

'It is vital parents sit down together with their children regularly to talk about online safety and how to get help if they need it.'