I’m probably opening Pandora’s box here, but this is a subject I’ve been mulling over with no specific opinion on yet.
DD is about to start primary school, and I’ve been doing some online sleuthing.
I’ve been surprised by just how much information is available online through their website and social media. Thankfully, no personal details or anything like that but kids feature a lot in photos and videos (we haven’t given social media consent for DD). The school website also shares trip schedules (general location, not specific) and real-time updates on departures/arrivals on social media.
While I understand this is a convenient way for schools to communicate with parents, it’s open to anyone and everyone. This makes me feel uneasy, though I can’t quite pinpoint why.
Is this normal for most schools nowadays? If so, why is it necessary? Couldn’t this information be shared more securely through parent portals?
I’m genuinely trying to understand this or maybe just trying to make myself feel better about it.
We did scope out all considered schools before applying and although some of the others had less social media presence they were not a good fit overall for DD. This school seems brilliant overall but also very ‘public’.
We have extended family in the public eye (nothing major, think medium-sized social media famous), and public attention has never sat well with my partner or me.
Privacy and safety are high on our list of priorities, so this whole aspect of school communication has me thinking about it in general.
Would love to hear your thoughts.
(NC for obvious reasons)