Warning Issued Over WhatsApp Group Encouraging Self-Harm Among Children
Schools in West Cumbria have issued safeguarding alerts after concerns were raised about a WhatsApp group reportedly encouraging self-harm among children.
Cockermouth School and Workington Academy are among the schools to have warned parents and carers about the group, which is called “100 before 2027”.
It is understood police alerted schools to the group chat. Parents and carers have been urged to check their children’s phones and online activity to make sure they are not accessing the group or taking part in discussions.
At this stage, little is known about the group, where it started or how many children may have joined it.
Anyone whose child has joined the group, or anyone with information about it, is being asked to contact police on 101.
Parents Urged to Check Phones and Online Activity
The warning has been shared as a precaution to help keep children safe.
Parents and carers are being encouraged to check:
- WhatsApp group chats
- Unknown contacts
- Recently deleted messages
- Archived chats
- WhatsApp Communities
- Other messaging apps
- Social media messages
- Group invites from unknown numbers
If a child is part of the group, parents should avoid reacting with anger or panic. A calm conversation can make it easier for a young person to explain what they have seen, why they joined and whether they are worried.
Why This Warning Matters
Online groups can spread quickly, especially among school-age children. Some children may join because a friend has invited them, without fully understanding what the group is about.
The NSPCC warns that harmful online content can sometimes be disguised as support. This can include content that promotes self-harm, suicide or eating disorders.
Messaging apps can also make safeguarding more difficult because group chats may include people children do not know. WhatsApp groups can include large numbers of users, and children may be added by others depending on their privacy settings.
What Parents Can Do
Parents and carers can take practical steps to reduce the risk of children being added to unsafe groups.
These include:
- Checking who can add your child to WhatsApp groups.
- Changing group privacy settings so only trusted contacts can add them.
- Talking to your child about unknown group chats.
- Asking them to show you any messages that make them feel worried or pressured.
- Reminding them not to share personal details with people they do not know.
- Showing them how to block and report users.
- Encouraging them to leave any group that feels unsafe or upsetting.
Parents should also remind children that they will not be in trouble for telling an adult about something worrying they have seen online.
Signs a Child May Be Upset by Online Content
Not every child will say straight away if they have seen something harmful online. Some may feel embarrassed, frightened or worried about losing access to their phone.
Signs that a child may be struggling can include:
- Becoming withdrawn or unusually quiet.
- Being more secretive with their phone.
- Sudden changes in mood.
- Sleeping badly.
- Avoiding school or friends.
- Becoming upset after using their phone.
- Talking negatively about themselves.
- Mentioning self-harm or harmful online challenges.
These signs do not always mean a child is at immediate risk, but they should be taken seriously.
Where to Get Support
Children and young people can contact Childline for free on 0800 1111.
Adults who are worried about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.
Anyone who needs emotional support can contact Samaritans on 116 123.
Parents can also contact their child’s school safeguarding team, GP, NHS 111 or local children’s services for advice.
Online Safety Reminder for Families
The warning is a reminder of how quickly harmful content can spread through messaging apps.
WhatsApp is widely used by young people, but it is important that children understand how to use it safely. Privacy settings, regular conversations and clear family rules can all help reduce risk.
Parents do not need to monitor every message, but they should make sure children know they can speak up if something feels wrong.
The most important message for children is simple: if an online group, message or challenge makes them feel scared, pressured or unsafe, they should leave it and tell a trusted adult straight away.
