PARENTS are being urged to ensure their children are aware of the importance of internet safety after two young girls were sent indecent images via an instant messaging service.

The incidents occurred between August 15 and September 15 and involved the Kik messenger site.

The parents of the girls, who are both pupils at Norton Primary School, reported the matter to the education authority and the police. The incident happened while the girls were at home.

An inquiry has been launched and police are also working with the Kik site, which is registered in Canada.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Liz Parker said: “I would urge parents to check what sites or apps your children are using and if they are not registered solely in the UK try to avoid them, particularly the chat-type ones.

“It is unwise to allow children under the age of 12 to have a lock on their phone or device that you do not have the password to, although as a parent myself, I know that is hard to establish and maintain.

“If you are aware of anyone contacting your child who should not, do not reply to the message. Phone the police straight away and keep any evidence you have.

“The letter is not meant to scare. Parents are genuinely concerned for the welfare of other youngsters and have asked that I share this concern with the rest of the community.”

Police are also working with schools to raise awareness about online safety. A spokesman said: “This is clearly a very worrying issue and we are doing all we can to support the victims and to locate a suspect as part of the ongoing investigation.

“It is vital that children and parents are fully aware of the very real dangers that lurk online and to do everything possible to keep safe.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to phone police on 101, or email William.Knapp@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

For information about keeping safe online, go to northyorkshire.police.uk/internetsafety