23rd November 2015 Dear Parents/Carers Following Anti Bullying ...
23rd November 2015 Dear Parents/Carers Following Anti Bullying Week I am writing to you to outline the School’s thoughts on the growing use of social media that is occurring in our society. This is, of course, an important topic in our PSHE programme and is discussed in assemblies. To be clear, I do not want you to feel that Fareham Academy is against social media. We recognise that social media often presents opportunities for friendship and self-expression and we know also that most of our students are safely and responsibly engaged in the social media environment. You will also know that the Academy itself uses social media for communication on our website. However, we along with many other schools, have a number of growing concerns.
The unsafe disclosure of personal information in which pupils can provide potentially dangerous or damaging personal information without a full understanding that what is posted in social media communities is public, potentially permanent and accessible to many more than the user intends. Cyber-bullying – involving the sending or posting of harmful and sometimes malicious material online (especially using Ask.fm which is an anonymous social media site) Addiction, whereby the student spends an excessive amount of time online, to the detriment of that student’s education, well -being and health. Inappropriate behaviour, whereby the student is exposed to predatory influences, posts sexually suggestive material or make connections with others for sexual ‘hook-ups’.
The best approach to these concerns is a comprehensive one, with ongoing education about online safety and responsible use with monitoring by all who are responsible for your son or daughter’s welfare, very much including parents, with whom we wish to work in very close partnership. As Headteacher, I have taken and will continue to take a very robust line on those who misuse social media by, for instance, sending inappropriate images, captions or comments to another student or anyone who victimises or humiliates other students. When inappropriate use of social media happens outside school hours, it inevitably spills over into school because of the impact such things have on relationships and behaviour. We are proud to provide a safe and nurturing environment, we support our students allowing them to have the liberty to be themselves and to realise their aspirations. At the same time, what harms and upsets others is, to us, completely unacceptable and I hope you will therefore support the strong line that I have taken and always will take on those who offend in this way. Yours sincerely Adele Deasy Headteacher
Headteacher Adele Deasy MA Ed. St. Anne’s Grove, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1JJ telephone: (01329) 318 003 www.fareham-academy.co.uk
Fareham Academy is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 8549807 St Anne's Grove, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1JJ
Headteacher Adele Deasy MA Ed. St. Anne’s Grove, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1JJ telephone: (01329) 318 003 www.fareham-academy.co.uk
Fareham Academy is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 8549807 St Anne's Grove, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1JJ
The unsafe disclosure of personal information in which pupils can provide potentially dangerous or damaging personal information without a full understanding that what is posted in social media communities is public, potentially permanent and accessible to many more than the user intends. Cyber-bullying – involving the sending or posting of harmful and sometimes malicious material online (especially using Ask.fm which is an anonymous social media site) Addiction, whereby the student spends an excessive amount of time online, to the detriment of that student’s education, well -being and health. Inappropriate behaviour, whereby the student is exposed to predatory influences, posts sexually suggestive material or make connections with others for sexual ‘hook-ups’.
The best approach to these concerns is a comprehensive one, with ongoing education about online safety and responsible use with monitoring by all who are responsible for your son or daughter’s welfare, very much including parents, with whom we wish to work in very close partnership. As Headteacher, I have taken and will continue to take a very robust line on those who misuse social media by, for instance, sending inappropriate images, captions or comments to another student or anyone who victimises or humiliates other students. When inappropriate use of social media happens outside school hours, it inevitably spills over into school because of the impact such things have on relationships and behaviour. We are proud to provide a safe and nurturing environment, we support our students allowing them to have the liberty to be themselves and to realise their aspirations. At the same time, what harms and upsets others is, to us, completely unacceptable and I hope you will therefore support the strong line that I have taken and always will take on those who offend in this way. Yours sincerely Adele Deasy Headteacher
Headteacher Adele Deasy MA Ed. St. Anne’s Grove, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1JJ telephone: (01329) 318 003 www.fareham-academy.co.uk
Fareham Academy is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 8549807 St Anne's Grove, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1JJ
Headteacher Adele Deasy MA Ed. St. Anne’s Grove, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1JJ telephone: (01329) 318 003 www.fareham-academy.co.uk
Fareham Academy is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 8549807 St Anne's Grove, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1JJ
