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Original poster

Digital safeguarding

31 replies

HardyEM · 04/01/2023 16:01

My childs secondary school allows all teaching staff (inc teaching assistants and support staff) to use their unsecure, unmonitored mobile phones to access children's sensitive data inc safeguarding, medical, pupil premium, photo, SEND (via an APP called Classcharts). This has been done deliberately without parental knowledge (I only know this because I was a Teaching Assistant). This is a serious Safeguarding issue. Why is it necessary for all staff to access this type of data on personal, unmonitored mobile phones? Do your Schools allow this? Two other Schools in my area using ClassCharts confirmed only Headteacher and Safeguarding Lead have access on a school issued device. Not a free for all. Thoughts please.

OP posts:
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OhCrumbsWhereNow · 05/01/2023 21:15

You seem unnecessarily suspicious and paranoid about tech systems.

What exactly do you think is going to happen if a teacher accesses this data?

TeenDivided · 05/01/2023 19:27

OP. Can you explain in words of one syllable what it is you are worried about?

Is it that others will be able to hack into the phone? (others have explained the security in place)

Or that the internet signal can be hacked into? (I guess possible though I really don't think school info would be top of a hackers list)

Or that a member of staff would throw all professional standards out the window and show their mate a profile of a child? (we trust teachers with far more than this, such as our children on school trips)

Just because some schools have more restricted access doesn't mean they are the ones doing it 'right'. They might be using the app for a limited reason only, and not to its full potential, or have it configured differently. Use of FOI to find out what schools other than yours are doing is frankly bizarre.

Oneanddone88 · 05/01/2023 18:53

God, get a grip op. To access students data on my phone, I have to unlock my phone with my passcode or finger print, log in to the school device , 2 factor authentication to do so, then input a 4 digit pin . Honestly , complain to your specific school.

Original poster
HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:50

Sorry that wasn't meant to be directed at you.

OP posts:
bestchristmasever · 05/01/2023 18:48

What information does the school provide to parents?

Original poster
HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:45
  1. Data subject right to be informed.
  1. Data subject right to object.
  1. New collection of behavioual data using AI:

"Collection of new data (Childs Behaviour using an Artificial Intelligence Engine which uses student behaviour profiles to automatically create seating charts which are optimized to minimize negative behaviours and disruptions".

OP posts:
bestchristmasever · 05/01/2023 18:45

HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:34

You say "scaremongering" I call it "transparency". Most parents have no idea about this process and are subsequently denied their right to object to it.

Where have I used the word scaremongering?

Original poster
HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:34

You say "scaremongering" I call it "transparency". Most parents have no idea about this process and are subsequently denied their right to object to it.

OP posts:
bestchristmasever · 05/01/2023 18:25

HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:25

Have reported them to ICO.

What for?

bestchristmasever · 05/01/2023 18:25

HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:24

I don't expect anyone's personal use mobile phone to be used professionally at all times its just unrealistic.

Why is it unrealistic?

Original poster
HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:25

Have reported them to ICO.

OP posts:
Original poster
HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:24

I don't expect anyone's personal use mobile phone to be used professionally at all times its just unrealistic.

OP posts:
bestchristmasever · 05/01/2023 18:16

HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:16

Think of all the ways you use your personal mobile phone.

Yes. And?

Original poster
HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:16

Think of all the ways you use your personal mobile phone.

OP posts:
bestchristmasever · 05/01/2023 18:16

HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:13

But why on their unsecure personal mobile phone?

What's more insecure about a phone than an iPad?

I can't believe a school or academy chain or local authority wouldn't have a BYOD policy.

grapehyacinthisactuallyblue · 05/01/2023 18:14

bestchristmasever · 05/01/2023 18:04

Is the data in the phones though? I thought they just accessed the information via the phones?

That's what I thought too. As long as you have login details, you can access from any device, isn't it?
Like pp said, the data itself isn't stored in individual teacher's phone, is it?
What if teacher had to find out something about pupil's information while out of school hours?

I can see you are strongly against it, that's great. And if your dc's headteachers are also against it, what's the problem? What other people feel about it is totally irrelevant to you, isn't it?

Original poster
HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:13

But why on their unsecure personal mobile phone?

OP posts:
spanieleyes · 05/01/2023 18:13

I can access Childrens data on my laptop and my iPad too, otherwise I can't do my job. What makes a phone different?

bestchristmasever · 05/01/2023 18:12

That is most unusual - most organisations that allow BYOD have policies in place and have had for at least 10 years in my experience.

Original poster
HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:11

They didn't have one when they implemented the software. Making it up as they go along.

OP posts:
bestchristmasever · 05/01/2023 18:10

What does the school BYOD policy say?

Original poster
HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:07

Thats absolutely fine for parents happy with their children accessing their education via screens. I'm just making the point that we (and more importantly our children's needs) are not all the same. I'm on here to share information, hopefully getting people to think about things.

OP posts:
bestchristmasever · 05/01/2023 18:04

Is the data in the phones though? I thought they just accessed the information via the phones?

Original poster
HardyEM · 05/01/2023 18:03

There is no justification to access children's personal data on staffs personal mobile phones. I have spoken to other Headteachers who agree that it is unnecessary and irresponsible, so they don't allow it. Why are some choosing to take risks and others not?

OP posts:
grapehyacinthisactuallyblue · 05/01/2023 16:06

On your other thread about online home works, most parents said they are happy with it. This too, don't bother me.
If you are unhappy about your child's school, talk to them. You keep posting on the MN doesn't help with your problem with your own child's school. As you can see, most of parents are ok with what their children's school/teachers are doing.
And if not, we can clarify with our own schools.

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