With many children unwrapping new tablets or smartphones this Christmas, the threat of online abuse has never been higher.

The internet was used by offenders to commit 82 sex crimes against children in Kent last year alone, according to the NSPCC.

And over the past three years, Childline reports a 25% increase in the number of counselling sessions about online sexual abuse.

A spokesman for Childline said: "Some children contacted Childline because they felt trapped and ashamed by their situation and were too were frightened to talk to an adult.

"Some were being blackmailed while others wrongly felt that they were to blame because they have participated in their abuser’s actions.

"It is vital parents talk to their children about being safe online, spotting the signs of inappropriate behaviour, and how to report it."

The charity said online sexual abuse can take the form of grooming, child sexual exploitation, sexting, being made to perform sex acts on webcam, meeting up in person, and viewing distressing sexually explicit content.