Dear Families,
We are asking for your support with an issue that continues to affect many of our students and, ultimately, the learning environment at school.
A considerable amount of school time is spent responding to conflicts, inappropriate interactions, and student concerns that originate on social media, messaging apps, online gaming platforms, and group chats during evenings and weekends. While these situations often occur outside of school hours, they can significantly impact students' well-being, relationships, and ability to learn when they return to school.
Parents and guardians frequently ask the school to address and resolve these conflicts. While we will always work to support students when issues affect their safety, well-being, or learning at school, the monitoring of online interactions must begin at home. Schools cannot supervise students' use of social media, messaging apps, or online platforms outside of school hours. Active parental oversight is an essential part of helping young people navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
We encourage families to:
- Know which apps, platforms, and games their child is using.
- Monitor group chats, social media activity, and online interactions.
- Review privacy and safety settings regularly.
- Set clear expectations for respectful online behaviour.
- Discuss the potential consequences of posting, sharing, or forwarding hurtful messages, images, or comments.
- Maintain open and ongoing conversations about what children are experiencing online.
Middle school students are still developing the judgment and skills needed to manage social situations online. When concerns arise, early parental intervention can often prevent issues from escalating into larger conflicts that affect students at school.
By working together, we can help students make positive choices online, maintain healthy relationships, and ensure that our school remains a safe, caring, and welcoming environment for everyone.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.