PARENTS in Laindon can learn how to protect their children from the dangers of the internet.

The increasing popularity of the web has seen a rise in the number of crooks targeting youngsters online.

Now, in a bid to educate parents, the James Hornsby school, in Leinster Drive, is hosting a seminar on internet safety.

The session will see Det Sgt John Woodley, from Essex Police’s online investigation team, highlight the dangers of the internet, covering social networking sites, like Facebook, and online gaming.

He will tell parents how they can use measures, such as parental restrictions, to control what their children do online.

Det Sgt Woodley will also talk about work done by the team and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, to combat paedophiles targeting children online.

He said: “The research we have undertaken demonstrates the need to improve society’s response to the problem of internet safety.

“I will be giving real-life examples of situations we have encountered and dealt with, in the hope this will better inform parents.

“This is not intended to be a technical session and is very much based around the average internet user.”

The event, which is open to parents across the district, was organised by police community support officer Kat Paternoster, of the Lee Chapel North neighbourhood policing team.

She said: “The issue of internet safety is something that worries parents, and although children are well educated around the potential dangers at school, there was a lack of education for parents, who play a significant role in the issue.

“We hope this will answer any questions parents may have and give them the confidence and tools to worry less when their children are online, having instigated the proper safeguards.”

The free seminar takes place at 7pm on Thursday.

To attend, contact Basildon Safer Schools Partnership officer PC Christopher Burch on 0300 3334444 or e-mail christopher. burch@essex.pnn.police.uk