A sexual exploitation awareness scheme is being piloted by police in to children as young as 10. The scheme in Rochdale has been launched in response to the sex ring scandal in the town.
Earlier this year, nine men were jailed for grooming young girls.
The scheme includes a presentation featuring video reconstructions of common scenarios – showing how young people can be lured online or become involved in cyber bullying.
Other topics covered include ‘sexting’ and publishing personal photographs. There is also a question and answer session and discussion.
Neighbourhood police have already held the presentation at every secondary school across Rochdale and some primary schools are next on the list.
Children are being urged to disclose instances of inappropriate behaviour.
Pc Dave Gurr, who was formerly the schools liaison officer, is leading the scheme.
He said: "We have found that more and more young people are on Facebook and the presentation is to make them aware of the dangers – especially with child grooming, which can be done online.
"Children as young as nine can be on Facebook, so it’s about trying to identify the dangers, making sure that their settings are private and their ‘friends’ are actual real friends."
The presentations are also open to parents, with the possibility of separate adult-only presentations. Pc Gurr said: "It’s amazing how many adults don’t realise what their children can get up to on the internet. The devices are getting smaller – young people are taking mobiles with built-in computers into schools."
He added: "We’ve already had intelligence come back through the schools. The children may have gone away and come back later thinking that’s happened to me, and tell someone."
Police have also been issuing the young people that attend with personal attack alarms.
For details on the scheme, visit www.ceop.police.uk or to book a presentation email rochdalesouthpartnership@gmp.police.uk