Primary pupils in Midlothian added to WhatsApp group with 'nude photo requests'

Primary pupils in Midlothian added to WhatsApp group with 'nude photo requests'

In Midlothian, primary school children were involved in a disturbing incident after being added to a WhatsApp group where they were instructed to send explicit photos. The group warned the pupils not to inform their parents about their participation in the chat. The affected students, who are in primary six at Paradykes Primary in Loanhead, are typically around nine or ten years old. The incident has prompted police investigations into the malicious group.

Midlothian Council has assured that support is being offered to the children affected by the disturbing incident. It was clarified that the group had not been accessed using devices provided by the council to the children at the beginning of the term. Parents were promptly notified by the school to check their children’s phones and ensure they are removed from the group.

Messages within the group were reported to be highly inappropriate, making explicit references to body parts and requesting nude photos. The group consisted of 84 members, indicating that it extended beyond just children from Paradykes Primary. Some of the targeted children were approached through their personal devices. The headteacher of Paradykes Primary escalated the matter to the police, and the council plans to issue guidance to all parents in Midlothian on how to enhance their child’s online safety.

Whatsapp guidelines, which are owned by Facebook’s parent company Meta, specify that the messaging service should not be used by individuals under the age of 13, following a reduction from 16 last year. Police Scotland has confirmed that inquiries are ongoing but are still at an early stage. A Whatsapp spokesperson reiterated that users have control over who can add them to groups and are provided with options to exit, block, and report unknown numbers

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