The PSNI has issued a letter to all schools in Northern Ireland following over 80 reports of fake TikTok accounts posting harmful content.
The fake accounts set up for local schools have allegedly been posting images of school staff with inappropriate comments.
Alongside the letters sent to all Northern Irish schools highlighting the seriousness of these incidents, the PSNI is requesting an accompanying video is shown to pupils.
Superintendent Arnie O’Neill said: “Since October 2, police have received over 80 incidents of this nature across Northern Ireland.
"Our officers are working closely with local schools, Department of Education and the Education Authority to investigate these incidents, and would appeal to anyone who is aware of these videos or who has been impacted by them to come forward.
"Any victim of this type of crime will be dealt with in the utmost confidence and in a sensitive manner by our officers.
"We would remind those involved in this type of activity of the harm it causes. The individuals targeted are left deeply distressed.
"No one should be made to feel like this at work, or in any aspect of their life.
"Some of the content is both abusive, and could potentially constitute a crime under the Misuse of Telecommunications Act or Harassment.
"We would ask both parents and guardians to remind their young people of the consequences of committing an offence, as it could result in a criminal record that could greatly impact their future plans.
"What goes online, stays online.”
