PARENTS have been asked to keep an eye on their children’s internet habits after fears emerged a new social media app could be used to ‘groom children’.

An investigation has been carried out by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, ‘TITAN’, into whether Amino could pose a risk to children’s safety.

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The app, which can be downloaded onto Apple and Android tablets, is divided up into different categories for different communities to explore.

It has more than 500,000 downloads and allows users to chat, blog and create polls with thousands of other people across the world.

Users can create communities based on hobbies, interests and common goals.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said the results of TITAN’s investigation have been passed to all of Lancashire’s schools.

Within a school newsletter, Steven Cumbo, headteacher of Lower Darwen Primary School, said parents need to take note of what sort of apps their children are using.

He said: “The app allows users to create a profile, where they can pretend to a character and discuss different fantasies.

“The app appears to be very child friendly with colourful characters and could be easily overlooked by parents.

“The site could be used by child sex exploitation perpetrators wishing to contact or groom children.

“Please ensure that you monitor your children’s use of social media.” TITAN is a collaboration between Cumbria, Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and North Wales police services to tackle serious organised crimes.

A spokesman from internet advice provider, Get Safe Online’s website, said children should be taught to only speak to trusted people they know.

Claire Ward, negotiations secretary for Blackburn at NASUWT, said that appropriate action was being taken.

She said: “As a mother I would feel reassured if teachers at my child’s school were telling me that I should be wary of a social media app.

“It’s good to see teachers are taking their duty of care seriously. and giving out warnings about something that isn’t strictly to do with school.

“Social media can be a very dangerous place for anyone, despite all the benefits it has.

“It’s important to remain vigilant with what children do on the internet.”

A spokesman from TITAN was unavailable to comment yesterday.