Police are reminding children to take care when surfing the internet.

Particularly on rainy days this summer holiday, youngsters are likely to spend more time exploring the web.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary is raising awareness of the potential risks and offering advice on how to stay safe online.

PC Alan Earl said: "Parents often think going outside presents the real dangers for kids. Sitting upstairs on the computer in their bedroom can seem a safer option, but that isn't always the case. It's not about scaring people, but they do need to be aware of the potential pitfalls."

PC Earl has spent six years working with the force's Internet Child Abuse Team, who tackle sex crimes against children. He is currently seconded to the South West Grid for Learning, an educational charitable trust.

He visits schools and holds internet safety awareness sessions for parents across the force area.

PC Earl said: "Internet safety needs to be kept high on the agenda because kids can do dangerous things without even realising it. Children as young as 10 are regulars on social networking websites. It's amazing how switched on to the technology they are."

A father himself, PC Earl knows only too well how hard it can be to keep track of everything children do online.

He added: "My teenage son is more into gaming than chat rooms. But this can present problems too. For example, groomers can start gaming as a first point of contact.

"What starts as a seemingly innocent conversation about carrying out missions can progress to something else when contact details are exchanged."

More internet safety awareness sessions will run in September. For more information, call 0139 238 1371 or send an email to alan.earl@swgfl.org.uk.