The principal of St Teresa's Primary School in west Belfast has contacted parents about a grooming incident involving a pupil on Snapchat. Terry Rodgers sent the letter on Monday to highlight digital safety concerns.

Rodgers learned of a case where an adult posed as a peer on the app. The adult built a connection through messages that disappear after viewing. The exchanges then shifted to requests for personal details and unsuitable images.

Snapchat requires users to be at least 13 years old. Pupils at the school, including some aged six, have accounts despite this rule. Rodgers pointed to features like disappearing messages, Snap Map for real-time locations, and Quick Add suggestions as risks.

These elements can enable strangers to contact children or track their positions. Rodgers stated that primary-aged children lack the maturity for such platforms. He recommended immediate removal of Snapchat and similar apps from children's devices.

The school observes daily effects including sleep loss, anxiety, classroom conflicts, and predator exposure.