Over the past week I have been made increasingly aware of the engagement of many or our Primary students with accounts on Apps such as Snap Chat and Ticktok. In speaking with many parents, they are aware of their child using the app and also admit they have no way of monitoring or checking this use. This is very concerning and often results in situations where children make poor choices about their online interactions or are exposed to content that is inappropriate.

Snapchat started out life as an app developed allow college boys  to get and share nude selfies. The app is promoted as a safe way to share embarrassing pictures, private or groups chats which will 'disappear' after a period of time. As we all know once information, pictures, messages are on social media they are easily captured, recorded, and stored. Digital footprints last forever.

The age limit for Snapchat and Tick Toc use is 13+. Parents who are allowing their children to access these apps are deliberately going against the advice of the regulatory authorities and the rules of the app. Children under 13years using the app are lying about their age. Is this what we want our children to be doing?

From the snapchat website – parent guide:

https://support.snapchat.com/en-US/a/parent-guide

"Is there an age requirement to create an account?

Yes. No one under 13 years of age is allowed to create an account or use Snapchat, and we don’t direct our services to anyone under the age of 13. If you have a child under the age of 13 who is using Snapchat, please contact us with your child’s username and verification of your relationship.”

I would like to encourage all parents to actively monitor what your children are using. Be informed and active in your parenting and recognise it is ok to say no to our children. Primary students do not need to be using these apps to communicate. Primary students do not have the maturity to understand that any mistakes on these platforms are not temporary and will have consequences, some that can not be undone.

Shoes and Hats

As we hit the summer months it is vital that all students have a hat at school each day. Please also begin to apply sunscreen to your children’s skin before they come to school, especially if they have sport that day.

Many of our children are not wearing the correct footware to school. Please be aware that our uniform policy states children must wear black leather school shoes with the formal uniform (not sneakers). Children dressed in sports uniform may wear predominantly white or black sneakers. Students should only wear sports uniform on the days they have sport.