PARENTS of children enjoying their half-term break are being urged to learn how to keep their youngsters safe when using the internet.

The NSPCC has teamed up with broadband provider O2 to offer online safety advice to parents at the O2 shop in High Street, Worcester, this week.

During a pre-booked session, the NSPCC-trained 'O2 Guru', will explain how to set up parental controls on phones, tablets and PCs, as well as how to make devices safer for a child to use.

Jane Houghton, head of the O2 and NSPCC online safety helpline at O2, said: "Parental controls may sound dull, but it is one of the simplest things you can do to ensure your child is accessing appropriate content only.

"One of our helpline advisors spoke to a mum about her nine-year-old daughter making inappropriate searches on Google after someone in school told her to.

"Our advisor was able to help her set up the appropriate controls and settings on all devices in the home. If it feels daunting, our expert advisors are here to help on the phone, through webchat and in our O2 stores."

Recent figures reveal the NSPCC’s Childline has seen a 60 per cent year-on-year increase in counselling sessions with children across the UK left worried after seeing adult content online.

An 'O2 Guru' appointment can be booked by visiting guru.force.com/O2DeskStoreLocator

Parents can also get online safety advice from the NSPCC’s website or call the free helpline on 0808 800 5002.

Children and young people can contact Childline anytime on 0800 1111 or access help online at childline.org.uk