Parents warned about 'add everyone' WhatsApp group

Police are investigating after school pupils in Derbyshire were encouraged to add friends to a mystery WhatsApp group with hundreds of members and explicit content.

A school has also issued a warning to parents about the group, called "Add Everyone You Know".

One parent whose son was added to the group told the BBC he had shown her semi-naked selfies posted by unknown men before she removed him.

A WhatsApp spokesperson said its settings allowed users to control who could add them to groups without permission.

In a statement, Derbyshire Police said: "We have been made aware of a WhatsApp group which is circulating, encouraging users to add everyone.

"We understand that some of the content in this group is explicit and that many children and teenagers have been added to it.

"Officers are currently working to understand more about the group and identify those involved.

"We advise parents/carers whose children use WhatsApp to check the settings on the app so that they cannot be added to groups by unknown third parties.

"Unfortunately, the default setting in WhatsApp allows anyone to add a number to a group chat, without needing permission."

The Three Trees Academy, a primary school in Swadlincote, has warned parents about the group.

It said: "We have been made aware of an online safety issue which is being dealt with by local schools.

"We are not aware of any Three Trees children being part of this WhatsApp group but urge parents to check your children's phones.

"The group has over 450 members and amongst these seem to be some members that nobody really knows, who have sent inappropriate images and have been asking children about their ages and which school they attend."

One parent told the BBC her son was added to the group along with several of his friends in the summer holidays, shortly after completing Year 6 at Belmont Primary School in Swadlincote.

He showed his mum what appeared to be semi-naked selfies from unknown men and she immediately removed him from the group.

"He basically came downstairs and told me there were loads of pervy men that had been added to the chat and they were asking how old all the children were," she said.

"They were trying to video chat with him. That was the main worry to me - that they were able to see my son.

"I've already told him that if anything pops up on his phone, he's to show me and not to accept any strangers."

The friends, who are now at secondary school, have created a smaller private group which they use to keep in touch.

Belmont Primary School said it was aware of the group and worked with pupils and parents to promote online safety.

A WhatsApp spokesperson added: "We give everyone on WhatsApp options to control who can add them to groups, so no-one outside of your contacts can add you, if you don't want.

"The first time you receive a message from an unknown number and when you're added to a group, we give you more context and the option to exit, or block and report."

Rosie Ellis, NSPCC local campaigns officer, said: "The online world can bring many benefits to young people, but also can be a challenging space."

She added it was vital for parents and carers to be aware of the risks, take precautions and have regular conversations with children about the apps and games they use.

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