Telford schools warn parents over 'sinister' phone app
More schools in Telford have warned parents to check their children's phones for a "sinister" app which feature characters from a popular cartoon show.
The free app which features characters from the Nick Jr cartoon Blaze and Monster Machines, includes creepy messages and references to knife crime.
The unofficial app, which is not endorsed by Nick Jr, has since been pulled from the Google Play shop on Android phones.
Lawley Primary School headteacher Carol McQuiggin said: "Our school has been made aware of a free Blaze and the Monster Machines app that is very threatening and sinister.
"The app itself looks like an official product linked to the television programme and children are able to log on and 'call' the characters.
"The messages that follow are very disturbing and we would encourage all parents to monitor the apps their child is using.
"We feel very strongly that parents and educators should work together to ensure children are aware of inappropriate apps and internet content, so we try to alert parents of dangers such as this."
A tweet from Newdale Primary School, in Marlborough Way, said:
Previously, a spokeswoman for Windmill Primary School, in Brookside, said: "It seems innocent because it is based on an animated TV show, but it isn't.
"Please check your child's devices and monitor their downloads."
The app takes the form of a fake phone call from one of the show's characters. It includes lines like "You look afraid. Is is this knife in my whirly twirly hands?"
The app, which is called Blaze and the Monster Machines 2018, then ends with a chilling laugh.
Kieran Lyons, NSPCC head of participation, added: "Parents need to remember that while the internet can be a fun place for children to explore and learn it is not without its risks as children can stumble across inappropriate content or even become victims of online abuse.
"To help protect their children from online risks we would advise parents to set up parental controls. It is also a good idea for parents to have regular conversations with their children about staying safe online and how to report something that upsets them.
"The NSPCC, in partnership with O2, has a dedicated online safety helpline that parents and carers can call free on 0808 800 5002.
"We also have a dedicated website for parents called Net Aware which gives information about the apps, games and sites that children download and use."
