Student use of social media and networking apps

Dear Parents & Guardians,

I am writing to you in order for the school to make its position clear on our students’ use of social networking apps such as Discord, WhatsApp and Instagram.

This step has become necessary because, like many schools, we find ourselves in a number of challenging and avoidable situations due to students’ inappropriate use of social media whilst learning from home. We are not able to monitor students’ online behaviour when they are away from the school campus, therefore we would like to remind you of the need to be extra vigilant and advise that you regularly check your child’s devices for signs of misuse.

Discord and other forms of social networking abuse that occurs outside of school is a private matter for the individuals concerned and one in which the school has limited ability to intervene. We will, however, always support individuals and families where we can.

To support you and your child the school will:

  • Continue, through Learning for Life, tutor time and assemblies, to educate students on the dangers of inappropriate use of the internet and social media.
  • Continue to monitor the use of any form of ICT in normal school hours (on campus) and the use of the school email system at all times, and will deal with anything deemed inappropriate.
  • Continue to support parents with advice on how to tackle inappropriate use either by their own child or others.
  • Remind our parent community of a wonderful resource: Common Sense Media. This website details everything parents need to know to help them make informed decisions about whether certain social media apps, movies or games are appropriate for their child. Here is a direct LINK to Common Sense Media.

I hope that you find this document and website link useful, and by working together, I trust that we can keep all our students safe and well.

Kind regards,

Ms Karen Hartcher

Assistant Head of Secondary (Pastoral)

DBIS Hub

DBIS Hub