School warning as explicit images shared to pupils

A school has issued a warning to parents about a WhatsApp group in which explicit images are being shared to children.

The group, called Add People, reportedly has members as young as nine years old, North Bromsgrove High School and Sixth Form said in a letter seen by the BBC.

More than 200 Bromsgrove children were said to have been added to the group and West Mercia Police confirmed it had investigated a report of a safeguarding concern from a person in the town.

The BBC has contacted the school for comment.

Parents and guardians were urged by the school to check their children's social media activity as police had found inappropriate videos and pictures were being added to the group.

It was reported to police on 1 February, and officers have since visited a number of schools in the area "to make them aware of the group and remind students and parents of the importance of staying safe online", the force said.

Worried parents have told the BBC they want the school to do more to protect its pupils.

One, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "I am extremely concerned about the impact of bullying associated with phones on my child."

Another commented: "The school should have banned phones when the WhatsApp group came to light. It's not right that they are placing all the responsibility on parents. They have a responsibility too."

Ofsted said it could not comment on individual schools but it takes, "all concerns raised seriously and carefully consider whether any action is required."

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