Stopping social media ‘hangovers’
Facebook and children under 13 do not mix, says a Taranaki principal who recommends her students stay away from Instagram, Snapchat and other social media websites.
Jenny Gellen, principal of Devon Intermediate School in New Plymouth, said getting youngsters away from their screens would have a number of benefits, especially at the start of the week.
‘‘It’s what we call the ‘Monday Hangover’ – stuff that has been put on social media on the weekend by students and everyone gets upset about it.
‘‘The first couple of periods we’re unpacking stuff that is nothing to do with us,’’ she said.
Last week Auckland’s Kowhai Intermediate School called for a ‘‘social media free community’’ for youngsters during their two years of enrolment, even outside classroom hours.
Gellen, whose school already recommends children keep off Facebook, said such a move would help stop cyber bullying, as Kowhai School intended.
She said it was against Facebook’s rules for children under 13 to have an account.
‘‘But at the end of the day the parents are the ones who are parenting their children,’’ she said.
In its terms and conditions, Facebook states that creating an account with false information, including one registered on behalf of someone under 13, was a violation of its terms. Facebook would promptly delete the account of any child under that age once it was reported to them.
Gellen said many parents were unaware of the rules, but social media was now ‘‘the way of the world’’.
‘‘It doesn’t matter whether it’s good or bad. It’s a wee bit like trying to shut the gate after the horse has bolted.
‘‘The best thing we can do is manage it. For example, students hand their phones in at the start of the day.
‘‘There’s no need for them to be worrying about what’s happening on social media when they’re in the classroom learning.’’
In 2015, Francis Douglas Memorial College turned off its wi-fi during morning tea and lunch breaks to encourage children to engage with each other and that has remained in place, principal Martin Chamberlain said.
‘‘The reason we did that is so they’re not on it all day and actually converse with each other and run around and get fresh air.’’
However, he didn’t think a complete ban would work.
‘‘I can see the reason for that; they’re exposed to so much that is not suitable for them and they can use it harmfully to hurt others. Bullying is not so much physical anymore.
‘‘I feel a total ban in a school – they would be up against it really.’’
He said the ability to communicate was a human right of sorts and that was the reason they allowed phones in the school.
Waitara High School principal Daryl Warburton said they did not have a ban, but felt social media was not the best thing for intermediate-age kids.
‘‘I don’t think kids should be in a hurry to grow up. Let kids be kids and run around and get dirty.
‘‘I think intermediate is a good age to limit that sort of stuff.’’
St Mary’s Diocesan School principal Fiona Green said social media was a ‘‘minefield’’ for parents of tweenagers and teenagers.
‘‘I think the Auckland principal has responded to a concern in that school that was considerably impacting on that school’s time, and each school will have to look at situations as they arise to deal with their unique needs.’’