Dear Parents,

I am writing to address a general concern regarding the use of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) platforms by our pupils.

As a school we operate a clear no mobile phone policy and as such, it is reasonable to assume that any use of social media, whether appropriate or inappropriate, takes place outside of school and typically within the home. It is therefore essential that you carefully monitor your child’s use of social media and AI platforms to ensure that their activity is both appropriate and safe.

In this regard, I would like to direct you to the safeguarding section of our school website here which provides clear guidance on how you can support and maintain your child’s online safety.

To bring some focus to this general concern I now reference two specific examples. Firstly, it has come to our attention in recent weeks that a small number of pupils have been using AI software to create inappropriate social media recordings. These have been distributed more widely within the community. I must be clear that the school will always fully investigate such matters, and where appropriate make referrals to external agencies, including the police. All such matters and where the perpetrators are identified are likely to result in a suspension.

My second specific example links to social media platforms such as TikTok. We are aware of an increasing trend whereby content creators are generating conflict among groups of young people for entirely nonsensical reasons. While there is currently no indication that our school has been directly involved in such activity, it is important that your child understands that bringing the school into disrepute through behaviour outside of school still falls within the scope of our school policy and we are required to, and will take action accordingly.

It is essential that we continue to work in partnership and to ensure they remain safe — school and parents together — to secure the very best outcomes for your children. Our shared aim is to ensure that your child can fully live out our mission statement within this safe and respectful community. While we will always address matters that come to our attention, even where they originate outside of school, we require parents to be proactive in monitoring all use of social media and AI platforms.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I am confident that by working together, we will continue to act in the best interests of everyone within the St James community.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Ellul

Headteacher