POLICE are warning youngsters to be extra careful on social media after three pupils from John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge had their Facebook accounts hacked and photoshopped to look like they were taking part in acts of a sexual nature.

The three girls had their accounts logged into and changed between November 9-23, with all of them being photoshopped to look like they were involved in the acts. Police are now investigating.

Community co-ordinator PC Mark Hough from Wiltshire Police said part of the ongoing focuses for the force, officers will be liaising with schools to discuss the dangers of cyber crime with students and to encourage them to stay safe online.

PC Hough said: “We take cybercrime very seriously and it is part of our controlled strategy across the force.

“Acts of this nature can be very impactful and upsetting on the victims and we will be tackling the issue of cybercrime head on.”

Headteacher at John of Gaunt Mike Gunston declined to comment this week, but other secondary schools in Trowbridge have said cyber crime is at top of their agenda.

Clarendon Academy issued a statement saying: “Cyber crime is an issue which we take very seriously. Students study and discuss it in their beliefs and values lessons in Years 7-11, with a changing emphasis, depending on age.

“In addition, all students participate in annual assemblies, using materials provided by the child exploitation and online protection centre, which focus on cyber crime and how to stay safe online. These are next due to take place in January.

“We always investigate allegations of cyber crime as part of our safeguarding procedures and, if necessary, work with other agencies to ensure that all our students are aware of the issues and know what to do if they have concerns.”

Joe Alsop, headteacher at St Augustine’s Catholic College added that students are taught how to stay safe online and how to report any concerns in their ICT and PSHE lessons.

He said: “In addition to this we support parents through engagement evenings, our website and our highly trained pastoral support team. It is essential in this day and age that our young people are aware of the benefits and dangers of technology.”

Wiltshire Police’s cybercrime awareness project CyberBeeWiseWiltshire gives prevention advice to the public including their ‘Be aware b4 you share campaign’ led by the Ministry of Justice to raise awareness of revenge porn.

They will incorporate this project in their work with schools.