Thames Valley Police in Milton Keynes wants to advise parents and students of recent concerns from a small number of youngsters regarding explicit messages sent via a social networking site.

Police are currently investigating the source of these messages and at this time it is not clear if the user is of legitimate concern or someone ‘messing around’ and being naive about the serious nature of the content of these messages.

However, officers want to take this opportunity to advise parents and students that a small number of children aged around 14, from Milton Keynes have received explicit messages of a sexual nature while they have been using Microsoft Live, a form of online chat.

Children who receive any messages of this nature should report it immediately to their parents or guardians, who should contact the police. Children should not engage in conversation with people they do not know and never arrange to meet anyone they have only had contact with online unless they are certain they know who they are and their parents are aware.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the dangers of talking and networking with strangers and should always keep a close eye on who their children are communicating with on social networks and if they ever have any concerns they should contact the police.

Advice for families to follow:

• Agree rules as a family

• Keep the computer in a family room

• Talk about the consequences of giving out personal information or making information public

• Get involved with your children online and encourage balanced use – set time limits

• Talk to your children about what to do if they do come across something unpleasant and teach them to be critical

• Install parental and anti virus software to protect your computer’s security

If anyone has any information or intelligence relating to the suspicious activity of any individuals they should contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505. If people don’t want to speak to police or don’t want to leave their name they should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.