North Somerset: Boys Asked To Share Semi-Nude Images Of Themselves

28 April 2015, 12:44 | Updated: 28 April 2015, 12:56

Police have had four reports of schoolboys being contacted on Facebook by someone using the the profile of a similarly-aged girl. The messages contained inappropriate sexual references, including an image of a semi-clothed girl. The boys were asked to share images of themselves.

It’s understood the boys, all from North Somerset, were contacted through Facebook between Tuesday 21 April and Friday 24 April.

Police say the 12 year old's concerned parents contacted them on Saturday 25 April.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Mark Raby told Heart: "This is at a very early stage in our enquiries. Statements have been taken and the matter is being looked into by detectives.

"Officers from the neighbourhood team are contacting local schools asking them to talk to children about online safety and we will be happy to visit any schools where there are particular concerns.”

Police have advice for parents about online safety HERE and they say they also support the the NSPCC’s Share Aware campaign:

The key online safety messages for children are:

• Don’t make friends online with someone you don’t know in real life

• Don’t give out personal information or contact details online

• Don’t tell people where you are going to be

• Never arrange to meet in person someone you have met online

• If you’re worried by something you’ve seen online, tell a parent, carer or teacher – or you can call ChildLine on 0800 1111

Anyone whose children have been sent similar messages is asked to contact Police online or by calling 101, quoting reference 41985/15.