New safety advice has been issued to parents about which applications could allow their children to communicate with other adults.
The move by Aberdeenshire Council has been sparked after a youngster from Meethill School was able to download an app without their parents’ knowledge.
The authority has now published a list of programmes it says should be restricted and these are Holla, Omegle, Periscope, Live.me and Yellow.
All of these apps – which are designed for adults – allow users from around the world to communicate and send images to each other.
Buchanhaven Primary School has already issued the advice to parents of pupils.
A spokeswoman said: “We urge you to please check your child’s devices and make sure the apps they have downloaded are age appropriate and their usage is being monitored to ensure they are kept safe online at all times.”
Last night, a spokesman for the authority added: “Our approach to educating pupils about staying safe online is to try to develop an awareness in young people of the benefits and risks social media presents.
“This includes discussions on developing digital skills and the safe use of social media.”
North-east MSP Gillian Martin has headed a campaign to warn parents of safety issues surrounding mobile phone apps.
Yesterday, she said the council was “right” to issue the advice.
She added: “I have warned before about the dangers of social media, particularly for young people. I am pleased the school has also been proactive and is working hard to educate pupils as early as possible about the dangers of using social media and sharing information online.
“The internet is also full of opportunities, but we must make sure safety is paramount.”
Banffshire and Buchan coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said: “My colleague [Mrs Martin] has been doing some impressive work in the past year to highlight the issues young people face using the internet and social media.
“I am glad that parents in my constituency are being vigilant about this issue.”
