NSPCC warns users not to share personal information with online celebrities

YouTube stars must be aware of their responsibility to their young fans and ensure relationships are “appropriate”, a charity has warned.

Young people should also avoid sharing private information with their favourite personalities who post on the video-sharing site, the NSPCC said.

It comes as a number of YouTubers face allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct from their fans.

Within the YouTube community - as with any other online community - there can be dangers

A spokesman for the charity said: “YouTubers have huge power and influence on young people and the way they think about the real world, so they also have a responsibility to their young fans to make sure relationships are appropriate.

“The NSPCC has a very positive and beneficial relationship with a number of YouTubers and they’ve really helped us to create engaging self-help content for young people for our Childline YouTube channel.

“We are however aware that within the YouTube community - as with any other online community - there can be dangers and young people should be careful about sharing any private information and if they’re ever unsure they should talk to a trusted adult or contact Childline.”

The charity said parents should talk to their children about keeping safe online, including who they are talking to on social media, and make sure they know when and how to seek help.

YouTube said anyone who broke its guidelines would be banned from posting videos.

Spokeswoman Thea O’Hear told the BBC: "As a company we have very clear community guides which set out the rules of the road on YouTube.

"It's really important that creators are aware of the responsibilities that come with having a big audience and a global fan base.”