SAVVY parents these days need to keep up with their children’s social media use.

It’s just not good enough to plead ignorance of technology because it’s a parent’s job to ensure the safety of their child, and here they are definitely at risk.

Bolton Police have been advising about child grooming and the signs to watch out for. They organised a Parents’ Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day to make people aware of types of behaviour that youngsters in danger may demonstrate including being withdrawn, secretive about who they’re with and possessing money and gifts they can’t account for.

Our youngsters are very free sending photos to each other, not realising these could be shared around school or posted online attracting more sinister attention.

Modern technology is a fantastic boon and youngsters have no fear of its intricacies or darker areas. We adults need to use life experiences to guard them.