New figures have shown the amount of investigations into children being accused of sex crimes has increased

Further education is needed to help prevent children being investigated for sexual offences.

New figures have shown that the amount of children reported to prosecutors for sexual offences has risen by 21% in the last four years.

Experts have claimed that sexting is one reason for the increase, and have called for more education is needed to help children behave safely.

NSPCC Scotland's public affairs manager, Joanna Barrett, said: "How much do young people know about sexting, that it's a crime, and prosecutable?

"Education in sexual health and relationships is patchy across Scotland, and education about sexting needs to be part of what is provided."

Figures released by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) there were 422 people aged 17 or under accused of sexual offending between 2011/12 and 2015/16, an increase from 350 in the previous four years.

A summit took place this week in a bid to help prevent future sexual offending by children.

Alison Di Rollo, the solicitor general, said: "I don't want to prosecute Scotland's young people, nor do I want them to have to give evidence in court against their peers and I believe that the one of the key ways that we can protect our children and young people is by educating them about the law."

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said that the Curriculum for Excellence helps support young people to gain an insight into the laws on sexual behaviour.