PARENTS WARNED OVER PUPILS’ FILMS

PARENTS at some secondary schools have been sent letters alerting them that unauthorised short films made by pupils are being uploaded on to social media.

The letter was sent in Gwynedd after images and videos of school staff taken without permission were used inappropriately, and pupils being filmed, or filming themselves, taking part in monthly “challenges” came to light. These included some that were sexual or violent in nature.

Written by education head Garem Jackson, the letter reminds parents that pupils are not permitted to film on school property without permission. It asked parents to check their children’s phones and social media accounts to ensure any relevant videos have been deleted.

Councillors were due to discuss the harassment of headteachers, teachers and school staff on social media at a meeting of Gwynedd Council’s Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee as the Herald went to press yesterday.

The report says: “Should a case arise where [social media] comments are either libellous or threatening, or both, legal advice should be sought or the matter should be brought to the attention of the police, who may investigate on behalf of the complainant.”

In relation to posting images or videos of school staff on digital apps without permission, the report notes such behaviour is not acceptable, and are matters which are the subject of disciplinary against the relevant individuals.

The report added: “This type of harassment became apparent in some of Gwynedd’s secondary schools (and schools across Wales, the UK and beyond), during the autumn term 2021, mainly through the use of the digital app TikTok.”