Fife schools have been urged to warn pupils and parents about a “potentially dangerous” map feature on Snapchat.
The popular social media app allows users to search posts from schools listed as locations and there are fears this could allow people to speak directly to children.
Snapchat has announced changes this week, which will exclude primary schools from the feature, but secondary schools will still be included.
Dunfermline and west Fife MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville has contacted local schools and Fife Council to highlight the dangers.
Ms Somerville signed a petition started by Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart before Snapchat pledged the changes.
Mr Stewart has said he will continue his campaign until a full block on schools is in place.
Ms Somerville said: “This Snapchat feature is incredibly dangerous.
“It’s essential that urgent steps are taken to protect young people using this app.
“It is concerning that the app is capable of revealing children’s locations.
“Strangers should not be able to see what school children are posting.”
She added: “I have asked local schools and Fife Council to do what they can to raise awareness of this feature with parents and young people.
“It is important that parents take steps to ensure that their children are using the app safely.”
Fife Council education officer Gordon Wardrope said many social media networks and other phone apps had the option to display people’s locations and schools were already working to protect children.
“We start talking to pupils about personal safety and internet safety at a young age in primary schools,” he said.
“As well as using specific advice and visits from agencies like Police Scotland and the NSPCC, the issues raised regarding social media use are covered within the health and wellbeing section of the Curriculum for Excellence.
“All Fife schools are aware of the issues which mobile technology can cause for children and young people and have systems in place to allow reporting and monitoring of incidents if required.
“Part of our role in schools is to equip children and young adults with knowledge and skills to help them make good life choices.
“Ultimately, how they use their personal devices will be down to the choices they and their parents make.”
A Snapchat spokeswoman added: “We know our work is never done when it comes to the safety of our users and we continually strive to improve our service.
“We are rolling out a block on primary schools and all other related terms in both search and map results.”
