Police have said they are working closely with the Department of Education on the matter (Stock image)
Police are investigating after inappropriate text messages from a number outside of the UK and Ireland were sent to pupils at a west Belfast school.
Officers are now encouraging parents and guardians to have conversations with children in their care about who they are speaking to via text message or online.
It’s not known if multiple schools are involved or if the pupils all belong to one school. However, the PSNI said the number the messages were sent from originates from outside the UK and Ireland.
In a statement, a police spokesperson said: “An investigation is currently ongoing to establish the circumstances.”
Chief Inspector Hamilton added: “We would encourage parents to have regular and open conversations with their children about who they are speaking to on their phones and their wider online activities.
“Having an understanding of the features of their mobile devices, apps and games your children are using, particularly when there is the ability to connect with people they may not know, is important for keeping them safe.”
The PSNI is also working closely with the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, local schools, Department of Education and the Education Authority to educate children and highlight the potential dangers.
The force has appealed to any parents who are concerned that their children may be being groomed or at risk, to contact police on 101, or in an emergency always dial 999.
