According to BBCNI and the Belfast Telegraph, Northern Ireland Schools and teachers have been targeted by fake TikTok accounts that apparently see’s pupils rate their teachers.
Police said the videos had caused “real distress” to those targeted and warned some of the content was abusive and may constitute a crime under misuse of telecommunications or harassment.
The distress has resulted in a significant number of teachers taking time off on sick leave as a result, according to Teachers’ union NASUWT.
The PSNI confirmed reports of a number of incidents where fake TikTok accounts for local schools have been set up.
A spokesman said the fake TikTok accounts had then posted images of school staff with inappropriate comments.
“While those involved may not see the harm in their actions, they are causing real distress to the individuals targeted,” they added.
A spokeswoman for the Education Authority said: “We are aware of this growing online trend which is completely unacceptable.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide relevant support and guidance as appropriate.”
A spokeswoman for TikTok said: “Our community guidelines make clear that we do not allow accounts that impersonate people in a deceptive manner, nor do we tolerate content that contains bullying or harassment, statements targeting an individual, or hateful speech or behaviour.
“We remove any content that violates these guidelines.”
