Police have issued a warning to children posting malicious ‘rate-your-teacher’ videos on social media, after a school in County Armagh notified the PSNI of a defamatory video posted on the TikTok platform.
It is understood that Lurgan Junior High School contacted police earlier this week after a member of staff was targeted.
A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) commented:
“Over the last few weeks we have had a number of incidents where fake Tik Tok accounts for local schools have been set up.
“These accounts have then posted images of school staff with inappropriate comments.
“While those involved may not see the harm in their actions, they are causing real distress to the individuals targeted.
“Some of this content is abusive and could potentially constitute a crime under Misuse of Telecommunications or Harassment.
“If you are aware of incidents of this nature or have information, please contact us on 101.”
Speaking to the BBC, Justin McCamphill from teacher’s union NASUWT Northern Ireland, said parents should be aware of their young peoples' activities, while schools and employing authorities should act because of the "extreme distress" caused in some cases.
"We are calling on school principals and governors to co-operate with the PSNI to ensure this activity can be properly investigated," Mr McCamphill said.
"We warn parents and pupils that they need to be aware of the consequences of this."