Social media trend

From the Headteacher

I have been made aware of posts circulating on social media inciting violence between schools next week. Please be advised that this social media activity is not just happening in Cardiff, it is a national trend across the UK. Whilst I do not anticipate that any child from St Teilo's would act with violence, I am working closely with the Local Education Authority to ensure that wider preventative measures are in place.

Violence is a non-negotiable in our school

I ask parents and carers to remind their children that violence - or threats of violence - will not be tolerated at St Teilo's. Irresponsible or reckless behaviour arising from this social media trend would be considered a serious breach of the school’s behaviour policy and will result in exclusion.

As always, senior staff will be present at the beginning and end of the school day. If there is cause to believe any child may be following this trend, they may be screened or searched in accordance with Section 45 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.

Next steps

If your child is aware of this trend, please speak with them about the seriousness of violence. It would be appropriate to check your child's phone and monitor their social media interactions in the coming days.

Please reassure your child that appropriate measures have been taken to ensure that our school remains safe. Children should attend school as normal on Monday.

Parents and carers must continue to discourage their children from following silly and dangerous social media trends (of all types).

Finally...

This is not the first irresponsible social media trend - and it will not be the last. As this trend has spread across the UK, it has caused panic in communities. However, as quickly as these trends appear, they soon disappear. Our staff will continue to provide the type of calm, consistent adult behaviour needed to keep St Teilo's a safe and happy place to be.

Thank you to those parents and carers who have contacted me today. Please be reassured that the appropriate authorities are aware of your concerns and are acting accordingly.

As ever,

Canon I Loynd, Headteacher