WhatsApp Code of Conduct

WhatsApp and Social Media Platforms - Code of Use for Parents (also relevant for other social media class groups)

• Please be clear and respect the purpose and objective of the WhatsApp group, e.g. to establish communication with other parents to share reminders, bring parents/carers together socially and/or enlist support of parent/carer volunteers for school events.

• Parents / Carers can nominate a WhatsApp Group administrator who will act as the moderator ensuring that the purpose and objective of the group is adhered to. Should communication in the group consistently fall outside the group's purpose, the administrator can raise concerns to a member of the Family Support Team or Senior Leader.

• A “WhatsApp Group” should not be used to send messages or content of a personal nature or promote a business or biased views. Direct messages should be used for personal messages.

• Parents / Carers are encouraged to refrain from sending content, information or “news” not verified by the school.

• If any parent / carer feels uncomfortable in a group for any reason, please notify the group administrator, Family Support Team or member of the Leadership Team.

• WhatsApp Groups must not be used to discuss members of staff, children or any matter that may have happened at school. If parents / carers have personal views / concerns relating to a specific member of staff, child or school matter, these should be raised with the teacher, Family Support Team or Senior Leader.

• Parents / Carers should not take it personally if someone does not respond to their messages in a group; nobody is obliged to do so and it may be better to send a direct message if hoping for a reply.

• Before sending a message, video, picture, meme or any content, parents / carers should analyse whether such material will be in the interest of the majority of the members of the group.

• Parents / Carers should not write anything that is likely to cause distress or upset to another person including staff.

• Parents / Carers should consider whether they would be happy for their message or comment to be written or published before sharing it.

• If a parent / carer notices they are having a dialogue with a single member of the group, consider changing the conversation to a direct message because the rest of the group may not be interested in reading such conversations.