'Vile' Snapchat video clip showing violence on a pupil triggers Easter Ross alert and no-nonsense warning from police
A "VILE" video shared on social media has been roundly condemned and sparked a warning to parents of Easter Ross children about the sites their kids have access to.
The video on Snapchat shows shows an assault on a primary school aged pupil.
While the video may have been circulating for a number of months, an Easter Ross primary has said it is no less disturbing.
Coulhill Primary School posted: "It has been brought to our attention that an Inverness-based Snapchat group have been sharing images of antisocial behaviour from across Highland which unfortunately name Coulhill Primary.
"I am keen to reassure you that not only do these images appear to be from quite some time ago, any such behaviour would, and has, been dealt with accordingly at the time.
"Clearly, we would never condone any physical aggression whether filmed or not.
"A number of parents attended the online safety session a few weeks back and will be aware that whilst for the vast majority of social media sites, the age limit that is advertised is aged 13 plus, this is only a recommended age limit and ultimately, the decision about whether to allow your child to create a Snapchat account is one for you as a parent.
"However, this group’s recent posts are a useful reminder of some of the challenges that arise from social media-both for pupils and for adults, and it might be an opportunity to revisit and rethink whether you would want your own child to have an account which may give them access to such content."
She continued: "Clearly, this group are intent to sharing behaviours which any age of children should not be accessing so making sure that this group are not followed and indeed reporting any further inappropriate posts or images directly to Snapchat would be wise.
"As a school, we have highlighted this to the area office to make them aware although there is nothing formal that can be done about this posts other than to avoid this group.
"We will however, make the local police in Alness aware of these postings and we will also remind all pupils about their responsibility as pupils of the school to model excellent behaviour both online and offline."
Snapchat is an American multimedia messaging app. One of the principal features of Snapchat is that pictures and messages are usually only available for a short time before they become inaccessible to their recipients.
A police spokesman said: "If it’s illegal offline it is illegal online.
"This includes posting anything that promotes crime, violence or drug misuse. This also includes threats made against you or attempts to force you to pay money or do something to prevent your personal information or images being posted elsewhere on the internet or forwarded to others. This activity is often linked to footage taken using webcams, known as Online Webcam Extortion
"Anything put online can be traced – even if false details are used.If you become aware of anyone promoting illegal activity or behaving in a threatening manner, report it to the service provider and also to the Police by dialling 101.
"Don’t delete the abusive message.
"If you think you are the victim of a crime, are being threatened for money or any other purpose, or someone is in immediate serious danger, contact the police.
"On Facebook, you can now also download a 'ClickCEOP' button which enables users to get help and advice from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOPC) and report concerns directly to CEOP if necessary."
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