Seymour High-themed Instagram account scrutinized
SEYMOUR — A Seymour High Schoolthemed Instagram account for spilling the tea — or sharing gossip — could have also broken the law, according to officials.
In an email sent to parents Thursday, Principal Jim Freund warned of the account, shsteapage2024, “where derogatory and hurtful remarks are made about our kids.”
“Working with our School Resource Officer we are attempting to identify who is making these statements so they can be held accountable for their actions,” Freund’s email said.
Police Chief John Bucherati confirmed Friday an investigation is underway into the private account, which had about 239 followers and, via a link in the profile’s bio, solicits anonymous confessions of “Seymour high drama.”
He said it’s too soon to tell if whoever is behind the account could face criminal charges.
“I cannot comment due to the ongoing investigation,” Bucherati said. “To my knowledge, no one has been identified as yet. Once the investigation is completed, a decision about criminal charges will be made.”
Freund’s email to parents noted that in the previous 48 hours, the account’s followers had jumped from 24 to 300, calling it “very concerning.”
“These types of social media sites can have negative impacts on the social-emotional wellness and self-image of students,” Freund said, asking any parents or students who know who runs the account to share the information with authorities.
Freund said Friday that posts from the account had been taken down since his email to parents, noting the account’s followers had declined by about 50, but still urged parents to talk with their children about the issue.
“We still do not know who created the site,” he said. “We strongly recommend that kids do not follow anonymous social media posts or pages. This is our modern-day equivalent of ‘Stranger Danger.’ Parents need to be more aware of what their kids are doing on social media.”
Stephan Behuniak, a school board member and former selectman, said that while bullying has occurred in the past, modern technology gives it a sinister new specter — with potentially dangerous implications.
“In today’s age of access to social media, it has only gotten easier,” he said. “With the mental health crisis we face in this country, it is especially counterproductive and disappointing that kids would engage in this kind of behavior.”
He said he hopes students ignore the account and “seek positivity instead of negativity.”
“Anonymous posters and trolls get satisfaction from stirring up anger,” Behuniak said. “It’s best to not feed into this or take seriously those who refuse to put their name to their opinions.”