Inappropriate Messaging / Use of the Internet

Dear Parent / Guardian

I am aware that a number of pupils across the school are receiving unacceptable text messages and phone calls from other pupils at Ralph Sadleir. In addition I have been told of messages being placed on ‘Facebook’ and other social networking sites that can only be described as ‘Cyber Bullying’.

Although this is happening outside of school it becomes my responsibility on account of the impact such actions have on members of the school community. I will therefore take appropriate action by contacting parents and, where necessary, punishing pupils. In the event of repeated activity incidents will be treated as bullying and again appropriate action taken.

I would urge you to take a careful look at the messaging activities of your child to ensure that they are neither a perpetrator nor a victim and take measures to restrict activities to those you can have control of. If your child now has a phone with internet connectivity, your control of your child’s activities will be greatly reduced. No longer can you limit internet activity to one room at home. Your child can now be online anytime and anywhere, including when they are out of the house or even when they go to bed as I am told some pupils are doing.

May I take this opportunity to remind parents that social networking sites such as ‘Facebook’ should not accept accounts from children under the age of 13 which means that only the oldest of our year 8 pupils should be using them. Any pupil in years 5 – 7 with an account has given false information, or someone else has for them, in order that they can have an account. You, and they, are leaving your child very vulnerable.

I have in the past, and will in the future, take any necessary action to ensure responsible use of modern technologies. This may mean further contact with relevant parents, involvement of the Police, parent workshops etc; whatever it takes to stop unacceptable behaviour that adversely affects pupils.

Should any parent wish to discuss the matter with me, either from the point of view of a parent of a victim or a perpetrator please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

E. Hinton
Headteacher