A new online class has been launched in Harrow for parents worried their children might be looking at extremist websites.

The e-safety sessions, which start today (February 9), will include advice on using the internet, social messaging sites and chat rooms safely.

However the Harrow Council-run classes will target Muslim mothers specifically to help them recognise when their teens might be looking at terrorism sites.

Councillor Chris Mote, portfolio holder for community and cultural services, said: "Our approach to this class is that trying to filter or control what children see on the web is futile - most children are well aware of how to 'cover their tracks' online.

"We want mums to be aware of the full range of what's available on the web, both good and bad. The difficult reality is that children can be 'groomed' online - either by would-be sexual predators or people with extremist views - so want to promote an honest discussion between children and parents about the internet."

Thirty mums have signed up for the one-day session and if the class is successful the council plans to continue the group, with m more tips on how files are deleted and accessing browsing histories.

Parents will be warned to watch out for children becoming secretive about their web use and shutting down browsers suddenly, as well as young people deleting emails and sending messages to strangers.