MP backs campaign for social media regulator following shocking numbers of children being groomed online

Local MP Tim Farron has joined calls from the NSPCC for there to be an independent social media regulator after a new survey from the charity found one in 20 schoolchildren had been sent an illicit image by an adult.

Here in Cumbria, the police say they've recorded 31 offences of sexual communication with a child during the past 12 months.

Tim has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Wright, urging him to set up an independent regulator for social networking sites to try and stamp out the alarming number of children being subjected to online grooming.

Tim said: "I know that parents are increasingly worried about their children's safety online and these shocking figures prove that their concerns are entirely justified.

"Social media bosses cannot be allowed to continue to shrug their shoulders while children continue to be groomed online.

"It's time that we put in place an independent regulator, with proper power to make sure that our children receive proper protection when they go online."