A SCHOOL in Fermanagh has issued a warning to pupils and parents about a mobile phone app that has been associated with cyber bullying.
SimSimi is an automated chat bot in which the user sends messages and it sends some back. 
According to reports the app, which can be downloaded to the user’s mobile phone, can be “taught” responses by any user when certain names or words are typed in meaning users, many of whom are school children, are getting abusive replies when they type their own names into the app.
Available to download on iTunes and Google Play, SimSimi has similarities with Ask.fm, a website that was also associated with cyber bullying. 
The app has been highlighted by one Enniskillen school in a text message to parents in which the principal expressed fears about the app “which is strongly linked to cyber bullying.”
The principal advised parents to ensure that their children do not have the app on their mobile phone or other device. 
The issue has also been raised by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in Fermanagh.
Writing on the Fermanagh PSNI Facebook page, one officer confirmed that police have received a number of reports about SimSimi.
“It appears to be a computer generated chat room where you talk to a very abusive computer. We had only been using the app for two minutes before we got quite the surprise.
“Please be aware of it and its explicit nature. The app is rated as 17+ and also has in-app purchasing and advertised posts. We have reported it to the app store but parents, carers and internet users should keep an eye out for it and avoid.”