United Kingdom, Oct. 16 -- Parents are being urged to talk openly with children about online safety amid warnings that social media grooming is becoming "quicker" and "easier" than ever.

Childline said Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram were the platforms most frequently named by children in counselling sessions about online sexual abuse last year.

Avon and Somerset Police child exploitation prevention officer Andri Nicolau said children as young as five could be targeted through social media, gaming and messaging services. She urged parents to make clear that children could ask for help without fear of blame or punishment.

"Sit down with your child, tell them it's not their fault, even if they've sent indecent images of themselves," she s...