AS a father I worry about the dangers facing my children online.

While the internet is a fantastic resource, it’s also home to potential offenders searching for young victims.

With devices such as smart phones, webcams, laptops and gaming consoles a part of most children’s lives, it’s never been easier for perpetrators to contact them.

It’s concerning that a new poll for Barnardo’s reveals that half of young people surveyed admitted that their parents don’t really know what they do online.

The same survey says a third of young people find it easier to show their real personality on the internet than with people face-to-face.

It’s essential that parents and professionals understand the technology children are using and who they’re talking to online, so we can protect them from abusers pretending to be their friends.

Online victims can be younger than those exploited and groomed offline.

It’s also of deep concern that these children rarely tell anyone that they’re being groomed or abused online for fear of the shame.

Barnardo’s works hard to keep children and young people safe by making them aware of the risks online.

Parents and professionals need to be more aware of the technologies children use and talk to them about what they’re doing online.

Javed Khan Chief executive Barnardo’s