A Dublin school has warned parents to keep a close eye on their children's social media after reports that some of their 6th class students have received sinister, sexualised messages in the last few days.
The principal of Holy Family Senior National School in Swords sent around an email - seen by Dublin Live - which stated that some of the pupils who are set to leave the school this summer had been sent inappropriate, threatening messages.
In this email, the principle outlined that "some parents had reported some worrying social media contact made to their children over the weekend".
"The sender of the messages is unknown to the children but had obtained some personal information about them.
"I went and spoke to all six class students and at least eight of them had been contacted [by this same person].
The principle added that the person had "bombarded" the children with messages of private information about themselves.
"There are very sexualised references being used and the person made references about rape to two of the girls.
"The person also asked another girl to send on nude pictures of herself. The person has messaged some children saying that they will kill themselves if the child doesn't keep in contact.
"The person has also tried to make arrangements with some of the children to meet.
"I have contacted the community garda in relation to this."
The school has a strict social media policy which says that: "Children under the age of 13 should not be on social media platforms.
"I am now alerting you to this danger and advising you to check your child's phone and to have a discussion with your child in relation to this matter."
The school said they had no further comment to make on the matter when contacted by Dublin Live and An Garda Siochana have been contacted also.
