An Essex school has issued a warning to parents over a WhatsApp group containing “inappropriate and explicit” material which has been forwarded to children.
Clacton County High School told parents in an alert that the group, called ‘Add Everyone’, was believed to have been made to expose children to inappropriate content.
The group is said to have been made by adults.
In a statement, the school’s safeguarding team said: "We understand there is a WhatsApp group called 'Add Everyone' which is believed to have been made by adults to entice children into being exposed to inappropriate and explicit material, to share these materials and to put young people into dangerous and vulnerable situations.
"We believe this group has been reported, but we are concerned that children from all schools may be members of the group.
“Please ensure that your child does not join this group or block and report it if they have."
The school linked to safety guidance for children online, with tips to protect kids’ safety on WhatsApp.
The guidance, from the NSPCC, an anti-child abuse charity, states: "Show your child how to block and report other users of the app or inappropriate content.
"Remind your child that, even if they think what they are sending will stay private, others might save, forward or screenshot it.
"Talk to them about making sure others are comfortable with what they are sending and let them know they can come to you if they are worried about something they have shared on the app.”
