The PSNI has issued a warning about posting information and images online after a 17-year-old Co Tyrone schoolboy died on Friday in what police described as “tragic” circumstances.
Police believe that the teenager took his own life after he had been duped into posting images on the internet.
“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a 17-year-old schoolboy in the Coole Road area of Coalisland on Friday June 5th,” said Mid-Ulster district police commander Supt Mike Baird.
“Our enquiries into this tragedy are continuing,” he added. “However, it is understood the schoolboy took his own life after he had been tricked into posting images on a social networking site.”
Supt Baird said police were continuing to liaise with a number of statutory bodies and community representatives about the youth’s death. “Officers have spoken to pupils at a school in the area and offered advice regarding safe internet use and any type of virtual interaction including social media sites, chat-rooms and through interactive games,” he said.
“If anyone has experienced anything of a similar nature or has received any inappropriate images or links, it is important that they contact police or tell a trusted adult. By doing this you will be helping prevent further such incidents. You will not get into trouble,” said Supt Baird.
“We all deserve to be able to use the internet to learn, explore and connect with each other. But all of us need to be aware of the risks involved in doing so, especially on social media,” he added.
Supt Baird advised:
* Don’t share personal information or images with people you don’t know;
* Don’t accept friend requests with someone you don’t know;
* Set your privacy settings on all devices;
* Don’t post anything online that you are not happy to be shared;
* If someone has made you feel uncomfortable or you have had disturbing interaction online, tell someone you trust.”
- The Samaritans offer a 24-hour helpline that people of any age can call. They offer a safe place to talk, and promise to provide the same support to people calling with mental health issues as any other issues. Freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
