Year 6 WhatsApp and Snapchat messages1 February 2023 (by schooladmin) |
Wednesday 1st February 2023
Dear Parent/Carer,
We have been made aware that a significant number of our Year 6 pupils are on various WhatsApp and Snap Chat groups.
We have been informed by some pupils and parents that the content on these groups and chats is not always the nicest and that there has been some issues with spamming (through repeated messages and excessive creation of new groups) and that some pupils have made inappropriate comments about each other. In addition we are aware of some children impersonating other children to send inappropriate messages. These messages often cause upset and can mean issues created by these online messages can sometimes create ongoing issues in school.
If your child has a phone and uses WhatsApp or other online communication apps such as Snapchat and Instagram then we would recommend that you check their phones/devices periodically to make sure that the content of conversations is appropriate for 10-11 year old children. Please be vigilant and monitor what your child is doing on the internet or their phones. It is not an invasion of their privacy, you will be helping them to stay safe.
Please see below for the recommended ages as stated on the terms and conditions of these apps.
Snapchat – Terms and condition state:
“Snapchat was made for people 13 and older. If you have a child under 13 using Snapchat, please reach out to us with your child's username and verification of your relationship”
WhatsApp – Terms and conditions state :
“If you live in a country in the European Economic Area (which includes the European Union), and any other included country or territory (collectively referred to as the European Region), you must be at least 16 years old (or such greater age required in your country) to register for and use WhatsApp.
If you live in any other country except those in the European Region, you must be at least 13 years old (or such greater age required in your country) to register for and use WhatsApp.”
Our website contains useful information on how to help to keep your child safe when online. If you require any help, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs. H. Higgs
Headteacher