Social Media Exposure AND Bullying

Dear Parents

It has come to our attention again that there is an "exposure" group operating on social media (Instagram and WhatsApp, as far as we know) in which learners from various schools, including Springs Girls' High School, are invited to make anonymous comments about other learners. These comments are nasty and derogatory, and are accompanied in many cases by photographs.

Please note: Springs Girls' High School does not know where the groups have originated, nor do we know who is responsiblie for creating them. The school is not able to stop the sites from operating, only Instagram and WhatApp (and other social media platforms) have that ability. However, as a school, we will report the matter to the necessary authorities. We as a school will offer support to learners who are being targetted by the commentators on the groups - if it is reported to us. Since the posts are anonymous, it is impossible for us to identify the culprits.

We advise parents to take the following actions:

1. Report it to the cybercrimes division of SAPS

2. On your daughter's device and from their accounts, report the sites as much as possible. Try to get other people (friends and family) to locate the sites and report them. The more people who report it to Instagram, WhatsApp etc. the more likely these platforms will be to take down the accounts

3. Ensure that your daughters are neither making comments nor allowing photographs of themsleves to be shared, or taken by others.

4. Monitor your daughter's phone at all times, and regularly - for activity that is harmful to your daughter's well-being.

Thank you.