A PHOTOGRAPH of four schoolgirls posing with nooses around their necks has sparked a shocked response.

In a picture which has been widely circulated on social media, four pupils from St Wilfrid’s Academy, Blackburn, can be seen in their uniforms in the school's gym.

The Lancashire Telegraph has chosen not to publish the disturbing picture.

It is believed the photograph was taken as a joke.

Concerns have now been raised about the level of mental health education given in schools.

The image was copied and shared on social media by a third party, leading to an online backlash about the ‘distasteful’ and ‘irresponsible’ behaviour of the pupils involved.

It is understood senior teachers are 'dealing with the pupils involved'.

A parent of a former St Wilfrid’s pupil said: “I was so upset about what I saw.

"It is totally unacceptable that children would even think this is appropriate.

“St Wilfrid’s was once regarded so highly but this is just unacceptable. I am disgusted that this is circulating on social media and I’m at a loss for words.”

Another said: “I fear this is a sad sign of the times. I’m totally shocked to see this picture.”

Reports this week in the national press revealed a record number of girls and young women took their lives last year with 65 females between the ages of five and 19 confirmed as dying due to suicide.

Blackburn with Darwen councillor Maureen Bateson, executive member for education, said: “Mental health services in general are one of the most under-funded services in this country and not enough is done in schools to highlight that this is a very serious issue.

“This subject matter, to me, is one of a serious nature. Suicide among the young is not a joking matter and to hear about this is quite frankly shocking.

“Anything that makes fun or light of it, in my view, is unacceptable.”

Councillor Brian Taylor, Blackburn with Darwen’s executive member for health and adult social care, said: “Suicide is not a joke and it never will be. It is a very serious issue and those who have been touched by suicide can tell you it is something that affects the whole community. It’s a very serious issue that never leaves them.

“Trivialising it is the very last thing that we need.

“If I could make one suggestion to the school it would be that these pupils should be made to sit a mental health first-aid course to raise their awareness of the seriousness of the issue.”

St Wilfrid’s was contacted by the Lancashire Telegraph but did not provide a comment at the time of going to press. The LT understands that the four pupils concerned are being dealt with by the school.

For help, support or guidance at any time contact the Samaritans on 116 123.