Parents believe sexting is a serious risk - but most have not spoken to their children about it, according to new research.

Nearly six in 10 parents have not discussed sexting with their children, despite 73% believing it is "always" harmful, an NSPCC study of 1,000 parents and carers found.

The most common fear - raised by one in four of those surveyed - was that a child would lose control of explicit photos of themselves.

Very few parents believe their child has sent a sexual image or video, but around two-fifths are concerned they could get involved in sexting in the future.

Two out of five parents said they had spoken to their child about sexting at least once, but 19% said they had no intention of doing so, while 39% said they had not but intended to.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless warned that sharing nude selfies can put young people at risk of bullying or being targeted by paedophiles.

"It's vital that parents talk to their children and that young people feel empowered to say no to sexting requests.

"We realise that talking about sexting can be an embarrassing or awkward conversation for both parents and children.

"And although most parents said they would seek help if an indecent image of their child had been shared on the internet, half of them weren't confident about getting the right support."

The survey also found parents are unsure of the law relating to sexting, with a split over whether or not it is illegal for a child to take explicit photos of themselves.

Under the letter of the law making or sharing indecent photographs of anyone aged under the age of 18 could be classed as an offence - but there have been calls for recording rules to be adapted so children are not routinely criminalised.

The NSPCC revealed that in the last year the number of children counselled by Childline about sexting has increased by 15% to almost 1,400.

A 17-year-old boy who called the service said: "There are definitely risks involved. Someone saw a video message I had sent to a previous girlfriend, took a screen shot and posted it online.

"They called me a pervert and lots of people I knew saw it - it was clearly me pictured.

"I was completely devastated and, to be honest, almost suicidal. I got the picture taken down eventually, but by that stage people had 'unfriended' me and the damage was done."

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "By working with parents, schools and network providers we can educate children on the risks of sexting."

Source: Sky News