Police have asked parents to remind their children to be wary of strangers after a student in Smithton reported being approached on his way home from school today.

The child was walking home from school along Wedge St, Smithton, with an older sibling and a friend. He detoured behind a property to avoid dogs, where he encountered a man who emerged from the bushland and approached him.

The child screamed and ran to join the other children. He was upset, but not hurt.

Police checked the area but did not locate the person, who is described as skinny, about 180cm tall, pale, wearing black jeans, a black or blue leather jacket, black boots and a hood over his face. He is described as about 30-35 years old, and was wearing a ring on the little finger of his right hand. Police would like to speak to the man to ascertain his intentions.

Police have advised local schools of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444.