The account was reported to Instagram and has since been taken down
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Families at Vincent Massey Junior High School are being asked for more information about a social media account that targeted the school and its teachers with highly inappropriate posts.
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Parents received an email from Principal Mark Bylsma this week alerting them that an Instagram account was created over the weekend that had a number of posts “disparaging the school and made specific negative and defamatory comments about teachers at the school.”
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Bylsma asked parents to raise the issue with their children at home to try to get more information.
“We believe that students may have information and know who was behind the account. We ask that you have a conversation with your child about what they may know about this account that looks to have been created or most active late last week.”
The account, which was reported to Instagram and has since been taken down, also attempted to follow a number of personal accounts of teachers and staff at Vincent Massey, and has been reported to the Calgary Police Service.
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Bylsma added, “you are being informed as parents, most often being the owner of the device, (you) are responsible for the usage of devices purchased for your child or children.”
The Calgary Board of Education has prided itself on its evolving digital citizenship curriculum, teaching students as early as elementary about the importance of appropriate social media use and the use of mobile devices and the internet at school.
However, due to a shortage of available mobile devices, such as computers and iPads for all students, the CBE does have a policy that allows teachers to let students use their own cellphones and other personal devices in the classroom.
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CBE spokeswoman Joanne Anderson added that incidents like these are taken seriously and are fully investigated to ensure the safety and security of students and staff.
“Inappropriate behaviour directed at staff or students is not a harmless prank, and possible disciplinary actions may be taken both by the school and by the police.
“Our schools are places of learning, and everyone in the school community plays an important role in creating and maintaining a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe environment.”
Anderson added that like the school, the CBE also encourages families to have open dialogue with their children about digital citizenship, safety on the internet and general appropriate conduct online and off-line.
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Anderson also confirmed that digital citizenship is covered in courses such as social studies, as well as health and life skills classes.
“Schools may also choose to bring in outside subject matter experts such as guest speakers or police officers to provide additional information to students and families.”
If targeted staff are feeling traumatized by the inappropriate posts, the CBE said supports are available for staff through the school or the CBE’s employee and family assistance program.
Teachers can also connect with the Alberta Teachers’ Association for support, or connect with CPS if they feel the posts were criminal in nature.
Principal urges parents to ‘have a conversation with your child’ over Instagram account targeting teachers - Calgary Herald
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