Parental Use of Social Media

Overview

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.

Objectives

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Encourage social networking sites to be used in a beneficial and positive way by parents;
• Safeguard pupils, staff and anyone associated with the school from the negative effects of social networking sites;
• Safeguard the reputation of the school from unwarranted abuse on social networking sites;
• Clarify what the school considers to be appropriate and inappropriate use of social networking sites by parents;
• Set out the procedures the school will follow where it is considered that parents have inappropriately or unlawfully used social networking sites to the detriment of the school, staff, pupils or anyone else associated with the school;
• Set out the action the school will consider taking if parents make inappropriate use of social networking sites.

Appropriate use of social networking sites by parents

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.

Inappropriate use of social networking sites by parents

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):

• Naming children or posting any comments about children who attend Dalton St Mary’s C of E Primary School;
• Making allegations about staff or anyone else connected with the school;
• Making any posts that could be deemed to be cyber‐bullying;
• Making complaints about the school or staff at the school;
• Making defamatory statements about the school or staff at the school;
• Posting negative or offensive comments about staff or any other individual connected to the school;
• Posting racist comments;
• Posting comments which threaten violence;
• Posting comments or engaging in online discussions with children other than their own.
• Parents should also ensure that their children are not using social networking and other internet sites in an inappropriate manner. It is expected that parents/carers explain to their children what is acceptable to post online. Parents/carers are also expected to monitor their children’s online activity, including their use of social media. Please note that most social networking sites require the user to be at least 13 years old.

Procedure the school will follow if inappropriate use continues

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:

• Set out the school’s concerns to the parent in writing, giving a warning and requesting that the material in question is removed;
• Take legal advice and/or legal action where the information posted is defamatory in any way or if the circumstances warrant this;
• Contact the police where the school feels it appropriate – for example, if it considers a crime (such as harassment) has been committed or in cases where the posting has a racial element, is considered to be grossly obscene, grossly offensive or is threatening violence;

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;

• Contact the host/provider of the social networking site to complain about the content of the site and ask for removal of the information;
• Take other legal action against the individual following appropriate advice.

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