A HARD-HITTING film highlighting the dangers of social media will soon be shown at every school in Gloucestershire.

The film, called Friend Request, focuses on the dangers of online grooming and was shown for the first time in public last week.

It includes the views and experiences of a number of young people, as well as a local parent whose daughter was groomed through social media.

The video comes as the number of sexual offences against children reported to Gloucestershire police last year rose to 321, an increase of 17 per cent.

Claire Miller, a mother from Gloucester, took part in the film in the hope it would save other parents and their children going through what her family had endured.

"I wasn't aware that this could happen," she said. "You hear about it on the news and things but you never think it could happen to your family, your children.

"I think police, other agencies, schools should help children be made aware it does happen - it could happen to you."

Det Chief Insp Steve Bean from Gloucestershire’s public protection bureau said: "Certainly, from what we've seen in Gloucestershire, there's no particular pattern of victim or offenders.

"It crosses all cultural and ethnic boundaries and it's not just girls, boys can also be the victim. We know that boys are particularly reluctant to come forward for various reasons such as embarrassment.

"And it really can happen to anyone, anywhere."

If you have been affected by any of these issues or if you think you know someone who has contact Gloucestershire social care on 01452 426565.

Visit gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/friend-request to watch the film.