CUMBRIA'S Police and Crime Commissioner is encouraging parents to speak to their children about the potential dangers on social media as the summer holiday begins.

Children and teenagers are spending more time online which makes them more susceptible to being targeted by cyber criminals

With technology continuously advancing, many criminals have moved their crimes online to target trusting individuals from the comfort of their own home.

Cyber crime covers many topics from fraud to child sexual exploitation.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Younger generations are becoming increasingly more tech savvy however this does not mean that they are immune to the dangers of cyber crime.

“Predators are on our social media and it’s our duty as parents to make our children aware of these dangers, what is appropriate to share online and also let them know that they need to let their parents know if they feel that they are talking to someone who might not be who they say they are.