A PRIMARY school teacher says she was shocked at the number of pupils who admitted talking to strangers on the internet at home without their parents knowing.

PC Alan Williams, of Clacton police, visited St Clare’s Primary School in the town to warn parents and children about the dangers of online predators and how to keep youngsters safe online.

He also returned to the school to run workshops for the children as part of E-safety Week.

Teacher Samantha Golding said: “PC Williams ran a meeting just for parents first and there was some really shocking content.

“A lot of the parents came out appalled at the sort of thing which can happen, but they also had a greater understanding of the dangers and how to stop it.

“He also came back to do sessions with the children and we have been doing a lot of work to make children aware of what they should and shouldn’t do.”

She added: “PC Williams asked pupils how many had internet access in their bedrooms and the number who said they had spoken to strangers online without supervision was startling.

“Children are getting online younger and younger these days and there is a dangerous trend of people trying to take advantage of that."

The school has now ordered educational posters to put up around its computers so pupils remember the message.

PC Williams said: “My concern is that parents think they understand the risks when often they do not.

“Children face far greater risks now than ever before, and we need to work together to keep them safe.”