Social Media Guidance (including WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter)

It has recently come to the attention of myself and governors that some group chats on WhatsApp and other online communications have involved parents/carers making accusations about individual children who have been openly named in the conversation. This is not acceptable and has caused great upset to the families concerned. Additionally, other concerned families have passed on their unease at the situation and how they feel increasingly uncomfortable about the tone of some conversations being held online.

Please could I urge parents to use social media sensitively and refrain from sharing other people’s personal information, including naming other people’s children online when you do not have consent to do so.

As stated on our website the school expects that “Whatever your place in our community, whether that be a pupil, a family member or a member of staff we believe that you should accept and reflect our ethos and values wherever you are. This means behaving respectfully to all, modelling good behaviour in person and online and supporting everyone to do their best and achieve their full potential.”

Parents should adhere to the following guidelines when using all social media platforms and groups:

• The group should never be used as a platform to air views/grievances regarding a teacher, child or parent in the class or school
• The group is not a political platform for airing opinions on current affairs
• The group should be used keeping in mind mutual respect and cultural sensitivity between all its members

We expect parents, carers and other visitors to:

• Respect the ethos, vision and values of our school
• Work together with staff in the best interests of our pupils
• Treat all members of the school community with respect – setting a good example with speech and behaviour
• Seek a peaceful solution to all issues
• Correct their own child’s behaviour (or those in their care), particularly in public, where it could lead to conflict, aggression or unsafe conduct
• Approach the right member of school staff to help resolve any issues of concern

Please note, the school considers the following online activity inappropriate:

• Abusive or personal comments about staff, pupils or other parents or any member of the school’s community
• Displays of anger including swearing, or using offensive language
• Bringing the school into disrepute
• Posting aggressive, defamatory or libellous comments
• Emails circulated or sent directly with abusive or personal comments about staff, pupils or any member of the school’s community
• Using social media to publicly challenge school policies or discuss issues about individual children
• Threatening behaviour, such as verbally intimidating staff, or using bad language.

The school takes safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will deal with any reported incidents appropriately.