Posting on Social Media – Legal Guidance

As a school we recognise that social media has many benefits in terms of good communication and supporting the school and PTA. However, in the event that any pupil or parent/carer of a child/ren being educated at Somerford Primary School is found posting libellous or defamatory comments on Facebook or other social network sites regarding the school, its staff or governors, they will be reported to the appropriate body.

We would therefore like to draw your attention to this guidance from the Local Authority :

It is an offence in law to send or post false messages on the Internet which causes annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety. An offence is committed as soon as the message has been sent or posted. Also there is no need to prove any intent or purpose (Communications Act 2003).’

If you have any concerns with the school, it is always better to talk to the Head teacher. You can make an appointment in the main office. Any abusive or offensive comment on Facebook can be reported by pressing the ‘report abuse’ link. Other social networking sites have similar controls.