Parents buying their youngsters digital presents this Christmas have been warned they could be in for a nasty shock if they don’t research just what the device is capable of in the hands of their child.

For the gift could ultimately result in their unsuspecting offspring becoming a victim of sexual exploitation or cyber bullying, fears Buckinghamshire County Council.

The authority launched an inquiry into Children’s Internet Safety two months ago.

Cllr Valerie Letheren, Chairman of the Council’s Education, Skills and Children’s Services Select Committee, said: "We have found the biggest problem is the lack of knowledge some parents have over the potential risk their children face when going online, so we are trying to get parents and schools better informed."

The committee began its three-month inquiry in October, receiving evidence from key witnesses such as Thames Valley Police and McAfee, part of Intel Security, the computer security software company which has offices in Aylesbury, The firm went out to more than 30 schools in Buckinghamshire to give children, parents and staff cyber safety training. It also gave training to members and arranged a visit to Bletchley Park for an exhibition on cyber security.

The Council’s drive to improve online safety was given the backing of Stoke Poges School. Jawad Laouira, Computing Co-ordinator at the school, said: "I believe E-Safety is an integral part of children's learning nowadays. Technology plays a huge part in their lives and it is vital that schools give the children the education they need to stay safe online. It's also vital that we help educate parents as ultimately they are the ones that are responsible at home."

The findings of the inqiry came as a shock, said Cllr Letheren. She said: "We were surprised at the scale of the problem and therefore we are pleased to be carrying out this particular inquiry. Once it ends, we will be making recommendations to the County Council cabinet member on the way forward.

"What appears clear at the moment is that some parents simply under-estimate the dangers. They don’t understand the internet as much as their child does and therefore just don’t know how to prevent or identify potential risks."

The committee heard expert evidence from David Miles, a member of the Executive Board of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety, the British Government’s principal advisory body for online safety for children and young people. Mr Miles, who recently also gave evidence to a Parliamentary Select Committee inquiry on the same subject, told members of the national and international context for protecting children from online risks.

The committee is currently finalising its recommendations and its report will go to the Council’s Cabinet in January.

Go to: http://www.bucks-lscb.org.uk/professionals/protocol-and-guidance/child-sexual-exploitation/