Police warn of potential harm of school WhatsApp groups

Officers increasingly hearing of situations where messages have led to arguments or bullying

Police are warning parents about the potential harm that can be caused by school WhatsApp groups.

The Isle of Man Constabulary's been highlighting some of the main concerns being raised.

School education officers say the use of these groups for school classes, year groups or friendship circles has been a recurring theme during recent school visits.

They say while they're usually set up with good intentions, they can quickly become spaces where unkind behaviour or inappropriate content is shared.

Officers say they're increasingly hearing about situations where messages sent in these groups have led to arguments or bullying outside of school hours.

"WhatsApp messages are private and often disappear up the thread, parents and carers may be unaware of what their child is seeing or talking about." - Isle of Man Constabulary

They're now encouraging parents and guardians to regularly check in with their children about what's being discussed in these groups and help them feel confident leaving any group that doesn't feel safe for them.

And here's a little reminder from officers if you are part of a school WhatsApp group:  

• If a chat feels unkind, you don’t have to stay in it
• You can leave a group at any time
• If you leave a group because you don’t like what’s happening, you are not missing out you are simply looking after yourself
• You never have to join a group you don’t want to join
• If something feels wrong, you don’t have to go along with it, even if your friends do
• If someone shares something that feels wrong, it is okay to tell a trusted adult  
• Kindness counts, even in group chats