A teenaged boy in the B.C. Interior has been accused of luring children as young as 10 years old over the internet and having them perform sexual acts over webcam.

The 17-year-old suspect, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with 47 counts including extortion, uttering threats, invitation to sexual touching, luring and obtaining sexual services from a minor.

Mounties say the Trail resident initially used Facebook to contact victims between the ages of 10 and 14, have them perform on webcam and try to arrange in-person meetings.

Sgt. Rob Vermeulen said investigators "do not know of any successful meetings."

"We don't have any evidence of him actually meeting anyone face-to-face," Vermeulen said.

He added that police don't want children to think that one social media site is safer than the others, and they should take vigilant care on all websites.

The suspect was investigated after allegations of his online conduct arose on November 14. The teen was arrested four days later, and his computer and equipment were seized during a warranted police search.

The youth was initially charged with seven counts but further investigation led to another 40, and police say even more could be pending.

The boy is scheduled to appear in Rossland court on Thursday.

Police said this case stresses the need for parents to educate their children in safe internet use, especially on social media sites.

"We're urging parents talk to their kids about using the Internet," Vermuelen said. "It's a great tool for getting information but there's also risks that come with that and there needs to be an open discussion."

The RCMP is also promoting international "Safer Internet Day" Tuesday, Tweeting a government link advising parents how to protect their children from online predators.