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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

My contact details being shared with DS’s class

175 replies

NameChangerDanger · 14/10/2019 14:16

DS recently started primary school. There’s a WhatsApp parents group that I’m a member of, but have no inclination to actively use.

A message has come through from one of the parents saying that it’s assumed we’re all ok with our details being compiled into a list and put into book bags Hmm

Another parent has asked what details this will include and it’s child’s full name, parent’s full name, contact number and e-mail address. It’s going to be sent out tomorrow or the next day unless people actively object.

I am really quite annoyed by this. My mobile number is obviously available via the WhatsApp group, but I haven’t given my e-mail address out to everyone on the list or given permission for this list to be created. AIBU?

OP posts:
BirdyTweet · 14/10/2019 14:39

But definitely flag it with a teacher, this kind of info shouldn't just be shared at a random parents whim's.

shearwater · 14/10/2019 14:39

It's not a breach of GDPR if they are getting your express consent and saying what it's for. That's literally why they are asking!

We always did this in the early years and you'll find it bloody useful if DC have parties, among other things. But sometimes people don't want to include some or all of their details and that's fine too.

BirdyTweet · 14/10/2019 14:40

How do you even start a class WhatsApp group? Does that mean you have to talk to other parents in the playground?! 😱😂

Original poster
NameChangerDanger · 14/10/2019 14:42

This would be a breach of GDPR as the consent is assumed, not express. Also, if the other parent hadn’t asked, we wouldn’t know what info was going to be on it. I don’t remember giving the parents all this info either...

OP posts:
MotherOfSoupDragons · 14/10/2019 14:44

Yes you're right, OP. It would be a breach.

Original poster
NameChangerDanger · 14/10/2019 14:44

How do you even start a class WhatsApp group? Does that mean you have to talk to other parents in the playground?! 😱😂

Ha, we can be friends Birdy!

OP posts:
superram · 14/10/2019 14:47

I find it hard to believe the school are sharing this info with parents. I would contact the school. Where has the rep got this info? It’s the type of thing my class rep would do (it’s Always me that points out Her ideas are nuts).

beethebee · 14/10/2019 14:47

My DC school does this. I don't like it either.

Lists the DM and DF names, phone numbers and emails too so I always feel like there's a big flashing light by my name saying single parent alert!!, as I'm the only one in either of my DCs classes.

Missellie6 · 14/10/2019 14:48

I have always had contact details for my dcs classes rather than a WhatsApp group. These were collated by parents rather than school so parents giving consent when providing details. It has always been useful for class collections/parties and unfortunately a couple of parents not on the list have missed out on information over the years as school wouldn’t pass details on, and passing messages through children doesn’t normally work.

Velveteenfruitbowl · 14/10/2019 14:49

We have this in our sobs school. When I was at school the school would publish a directory of all the families. Very useful.

Original poster
NameChangerDanger · 14/10/2019 14:49

That is awful beethebee. So intrusive.

Gosh, I don’t know whether DH’s name would be on there. He would go nuts!

OP posts:
Disfordarkchocolate · 14/10/2019 14:49

We did this at a primary but it was done by the PTA and you had to give permission. Not everyone gave their whole details but most parents gave one type of contact information, it was great for checking arrangements for parties.

Chewbecca · 14/10/2019 14:49

I found these lists useful.
If you don’t want your email address or any other details on it, just say that.
Of course GDPR doesn’t apply to a group such as this.

tigerbear · 14/10/2019 14:50

Totally up to you whether you include yourself in this, obviously, but I’m going to against the grain, and think this is a good idea, especially the list of parents names and the name of your DC.
4 years into primary school, I still don’t know the names of some of the parents in DD’s class, or which DC are theirs.
It would help to know when organising parties, events, school fairs, fundraising events, etc
I actually find WhatsApp group conversations really annoying and intrusive, and email chats easier to manage and switch off from if needs be.
What exactly about this idea is annoying you so much? All people will be using it for - presumably - is to forward school related info, class trips, info about homework, school fundraising and events, reminders about things, emails from the teachers and class Reps - designed to make your life easier, I would have thought?

Original poster
NameChangerDanger · 14/10/2019 14:50

GDPR will apply the moment the school agree to put the info in the book bags

OP posts:
TellItLikeItReallyIs · 14/10/2019 14:52

Why don't you create a new email address specifically for class use only?
That way you can get the emailed info/ be on the list without compromising your own personal email address.

Joerev · 14/10/2019 14:52

Schools are included for GDPR. Our school won’t even give out first names in a class anymore

Just explain that you don’t want you details being shared. I do this when I do the forms for no photos to be taken of my child.

Whatevskev · 14/10/2019 14:52

I would ASAP contact the school office and ask if they are passing on full child’s name and parents email. Else how is this parent getting them? It’s a GDPR breach and school would be in trouble if that’s what is going on.

Our school did kids first name and then initial if needed To identify when two kids of same name, and a mobile for ‘parent/guardian’ (without name of parent) as a contact and that’s it.

Messages about Xmas fair etc are sent to mobile by group text.

aweedropofsancerre · 14/10/2019 14:53

Email/ address consent aside be prepared to miss all the DC birthday parties if your not interested in reading the what’s app messages. We don’t do paper invitations anymore and it’s all done via what’s app. So your DS will likely miss out ....

pallisers · 14/10/2019 14:53

every school my children attended has had a directory that includes parents names/addresses/emails/phones plus names helpfully listed by town/grade. A couple of the schools provided the same information for staff and teachers as well. It is really useful.

BUT it is organised by the school and is on an opt-in basis. You have to agree to it in writing. I know of some people who don't opt in for whatever reason and there is no problem with it.

TheOrigRightsofwomen · 14/10/2019 14:55

Breach of GDPR. You have to actively OPT IN.

Soontobe60 · 14/10/2019 14:59

I'm amazed that people think that this is a good thing!
OP, where has the parent who wants to send this list out got the info from? Also, how did they get everyone's number for the whatsapp group?

user1474894224 · 14/10/2019 15:01

"All people will be using it for - presumably - is to forward school related info, class trips, info about homework, school fundraising and events, reminders about things, emails from the teachers and class Reps - designed to make your life easier, I would have thought?"

You won't miss any school information - as the school are responsible for sending that out. Not a parent. In the UK this is what the school do. They don't rely on parents sending information about trips.

I've never not recieved an actual invitation to a kids birthday party - whether it was given in the play ground or put in a book bag. (A patent might have asked me via phone to save the date etc but my kids have always had an actual piece of paper too.)

At xmas we get a list of first names only to do xmas cards from the school. (My eldest is now at secondary - I don't expect that to happen there. Grin )

Soontobe60 · 14/10/2019 15:01

@aweedropofsancerre

mail/ address consent aside be prepared to miss all the DC birthday parties if your not interested in reading the what’s app messages. We don’t do paper invitations anymore and it’s all done via what’s app. So your DS will likely miss out ....

FFS what on earth is wrong with your child writing out a few party invites?

shearwater · 14/10/2019 15:06

The only daft thing seems to be putting it in bookbags. Couldn't they send it out via Whatsapp? Or just say - my name and phone number is already available in the Whatsapp group and that is all I want to provide?

Yes of course you have to opt in, but people are being asked to opt in by providing their further details. If they don't want to provide them, they can simply say so.