PARENTS in Worcestershire are being given advice to pass onto youngsters about staying safe online.

The SMART rules were created by West Mercia Police to remind people of the need to exercise caution when meeting people on the net and posting personal details.

Detective Superintendent Martin Lakeman, head of public protection for West Mercia police, said: “We are continuing to promote internet safety messages to ensure children and parents understand potential risks posed by the internet balanced against the fantastic knowledge which can be gained from it.

“Unfortunately, the reality is that some people have an unhealthy interest in children and we net to protect children against this both in the real and virtual world - and we need parents, guardians or carers to do their homework and understand more about what children are doing online.”

The police have issued the following advice: Safe – Be careful not to give out personal information such as your full name, email address, phone number, home address, school name or photos.

Meeting – Only arrange meetings with your parents’ or carers’ permission and even then only when they can be present.

Accepting – Accepting emails, IM messages or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don’t know or trust can lead to problems – they may contain viruses or nasty messages.

Reliable – Information you find on the internet may not be true or someone online may be lying about who they are.

Tell – Tell your parents, carer or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried or if you or someone you know is being bullied online.