YOUNG people are being reminded how to help keep themselves safe online.

The regional see me, hear me campaign raises awareness of child sexual exploitation and shows youngsters and parents how to identify and respond to risky or dangerous situations.

Online grooming affects both boys and girls and can happen through social media, gaming, chatrooms or other online communication.

It can take a number of forms and could see children being manipulated into sharing indecent images or agreeing to meet someone wishing to sexually exploit them.

Young people are advised to never give out personal information, understand that the internet makes it easy for offenders to ‘hide’ behind fake profiles.

They are also urged not to meet up anyone they have met online and to avoid posting any pictures or videos online that they would not want their parent or carer to see.

Parents have been encouraged to talk openly to their children about their online activity, to help them understand what is safe and unsafe - this includes making use of parental controls and limiting who young people can speak to via online gaming.

Councillor Anne Millward, Dudley's cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It is vital young people understand the importance of staying safe online.

“With the internet and, in particular, social media and online gaming becoming such a big part of young people’s daily lives, we want them to be able to enjoy their activities without making themselves vulnerable.

“While we can’t monitor every click, we should be open with our children and talk to them about online dangers.

"By giving young people a few key safety tips about how to stay safe online and encouraging them to share it with their friends we can stop the perpetrators in their tracks."

Cllr Millward said preventing CSE was "everyone’s responsibility" and urged people to visit the campaign website, www.seeme-hearme.org.uk, to find out more.

Anyone who is concerned about the safety of a young person should call West Midlands Police on 101, speak in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or in an emergency call 999.