Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and other similar online forums are now widely used and these types of media allow people to communicate in ways that were not previously possible. Unfortunately, such sites can be used inappropriately by some as a means of expressing negative or offensive views about schools and their staff. This document sets out this school’s approach to parental use of such sites and sets out the procedures that will be followed and action that may be taken when it is considered that parents have used such facilities inappropriately. Where there is reference to “parent” in this document this also includes carers and other relatives of a child in school.
The purpose of this policy is to:
The school recognises that many parents and other family members will have personal social networking accounts which they might use to discuss/share views about school issues with friends and acquaintances. However, it is not the way to raise concerns or complaints as the school are not always able respond to issues raised on a social networking site. If there are serious allegations being made/ concerns being raised, social media or internet sites should not be used to name individuals and make abusive comments. Please contact the school to discuss any concerns you may have.
Although social networking sites may appear to be the quickest and easiest way to express frustrations or concerns about the school and those associated with it, it is rarely appropriate to do so. Other channels such as a private and confidential discussion with Staff, the Headteacher or member of the Governing Body, or using the school’s formal complaints process are much better suited to this. The School considers the following examples to be inappropriate uses of social networking sites. (This list is non‐exhaustive and intended to provide examples only):
The school will always try to deal with concerns raised by parents in a professional and appropriate manner and understands that parents may not always realise when they have used social networking sites inappropriately. Therefore, as a first step the school will usually discuss the matter with the parent to try to resolve it and to ask that the relevant information be removed from the social networking site in question. If the parent refuses to do this and continues to use social networking sites in a manner the school considers inappropriate, the school will consider taking the following action:
If the inappropriate comments have been made on a school website or online forum, the school may take action to block or restrict that individual’s access to that website or forum;
Policy Name Parental Use of Social Media and the Internet Policy
Policy Produced By L Woodburn
Date Policy Produced 22/2/19
Date Governors Agreed 06/03/2019
Date of Next Review Spring 2021