Parents of primary school children in the Goldfields are greatly concerned and shocked after the revelation of a WhatsApp group which promotes children’s participation in pornographic activities.
Capt Loraine Earle, Free State police spokesperson, stated that the police are investigating several reports regarding WhatsApp groups. These include a group called “Add anyone you know” which adds children randomly without their consent.
“These groups often circulate harmful content such as pornographic material, racist memes, and depictions of cruelty towards animals, and in some cases even encourage children to share nude images of themselves,” says Earle.
This latest trend came to the fore after concerned parents contacted Vista. The Free State Department of Education has also issued a warning in this regard to schools. Vista has a copy of a letter that was issued by a school to parents.
Earle says any parent or guardian who becomes aware that their child has been exposed to such material should take action immediately. They should report the matter to the police via the MySAPS App, at the nearest police station, or through the child’s school.
“The Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit is already attending to several reported cases. Protecting children from exposure to harmful content remains a top priority for the South African Police Service (SAPS),” she says.
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