A NEW film has been launched to help parents overcome fears about their offsprings’ use of the internet.

The film, The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet, has been created by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre and was officially launched on Safer Internet Day on Tuesday.

The video shows that while there may be different risks facing children, parenting skills remain the same as they were in the 1950s.

The film, and its dedicated website, explains how parents can talk to children about internet pornography, the difference between real and online friends and what to do when things go wrong.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary is supporting the scheme, and PC Alan Earl said: “Connecting generations - the theme of this year’s Safer Internet Day - focuses on the conversations between children and young people and adults of all ages and the importance of enabling parents and grandparents to understand both the positives and negatives that the internet holds.

“Empowering adults to help keep their children safe and savvy online is of most importance.”

For more information visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents