Stephen Walsh
North-east councils are warning school children to be vigilant when using a new mobile phone service which can reveal their exact location to other users.
The new “Snap Map” feature, available on popular image and video sharing application Snapchat, provides a map of the nearby area showing where people are situated.
It is automatically enabled and has to be switched off by individual users.
However the latest development has sparked fresh fears about youngsters’ privacy and vulnerability online.
The minimum age to sign up for Snapchat is 13, however there have been a number of instances where it has become clear that youngsters are using the app despite the restriction.
In March, images of an 11-year-old girl were shared on the service by older children.
Gillian Martin MSP called on education bosses to issue guidance to pupils and parents ahead of schools returning after the summer break.
Now Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen councils have confirmed they are taking action.
In a letter to Ms Martin, Aberdeenshire director of education and children’s services Maria Walker said: “I can confirm that the issue was raised by a head teacher before the holidays. Since then I have asked for our officers to look at issuing guidance after the summer recess.”
eanwhile, Aberdeen City Council has also confirmed it will issue guidance to schools.
A city council spokesman said: “Our internet safety message has always been that young people should only establish online friendships with people they know.
“It is important that young people know about the Snap Map feature and how to prevent their location being shared.
“This is something that we will be sharing in an article on our shared schools site and information will be sent to our schools providing further guidance”.
Last night the MSP said it was vital that parents and children understood the risks associated with the new feature.
Mrs Martin said: “It is really important we continue to have conversations with our children and that there is sound advice out there for parents too on what is available online for people to see.
“I would encourage people to be vigilant of allowing these kind of features, particularly when children are going to be travelling to and from school.”
