Police are advising parents to keep a close eye on their children’s social media activity after a series of suspicious posts were made on community pages in Wellington and Auckland.
The posts are from a man seeking children, often aged between nine and 13 years old, to be part of a game that involves ‘sliming’, ‘gunging’ or pouring custard over themselves and the man.
The individual offers money, vouchers or tickets to events in exchange for children playing this game with him. He says this game is part of his training as a youth worker or is related to a project he is completing for tertiary study.
Police have a current active investigation regarding this person and have established that he is not training as a youth worker and not involved in any relevant tertiary study. Police request that members of the community do not engage with this person via social media.
Parents are encouraged to check in with their kids and understand what they are doing online. Have a conversation with your kids about what they’re using the internet for and the information they are sharing. Further information on online safety is available through NetSafe.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre