McKinnon Secondary College urges parents to pay attention to kids’ social media use

A top school has warned parents about their kids’ social media, amid fears some are being falsely accused of sexual assault.

McKinnon Secondary said it expected students to behave appropriately online and for parents to be aware of their social media activity.

A top government school has issued holiday homework to parents after “harmful and offensive” social media posts were linked to students at the school.

McKinnon Secondary College, which banned mobile phones in 2018, also strongly discouraged students from creating anonymous online profiles, saying they were risky.

The McKinnon Secondary missive, on the eve of the school holidays, said it expected students to behave appropriately online and for parents to be aware of their social media activity.

“Recently we have been informed of incidents where individuals have used social networking sites such as Instagram to post offensive and harmful material,” it said.

“Please discuss with your child their online presence, including the risks associated with creating online ‘friendships’ with individuals they don’t know in person.

“In addition, creating an online presence/profile that permits anonymous postings is extremely risky and should be strongly discouraged.”

The school also warned against students using Discord, the online platform used by many gamers to communicate.

McKinnon Secondary introduced a mobile ban in 2018, saying phones were a distraction during class. Picture: Jason Edwards

“Again, please remind your child about the importance of communicating in a respectful and positive way when online,” the school said.

“While we recognise that online interaction is a big part of students’ lives, we want to ensure they are also safe and responsible users of such technology. Online harassment cannot only cause great damage to students’ self-esteem, it is unlawful.“

Cyber Safety Solutions director Susan McLean said parents should know what their children do online and what apps and platforms they use.

“Discord is well known for predators and grooming, nothing new there.,” she said.

“I would have also said that parents have a responsibility to ensure their children do not lie about their ages in order to get accounts they should not be using.

“There is also no such thing as an online friend. These are strangers and should be referred to as such.”

Girls were asking others to direct message them the names of alleged perpetrators, which were shared on Instagram stories.

While McKinnon did not spell out the content, some schools have been on high alert as social media activity among students reached fever pitch after Sydneysider Chanel Contos started her online petition about sexual assault in schools.

Girls were asking others to direct message them the names of alleged perpetrators, which were shared on Instagram stories.

A private school boy named in one of the widely shared posts was left distressed and teachers were concerned about what could be false claims.

McKinnon introduced a mobile ban in 2018, saying phones were a distraction during class and were a substitute for proper interaction between students at lunchtime.