Expressing our frustrations and concerns can be therapeutic, whether it's through social media or messaging platforms like WhatsApp. However, it can have detrimental consequences when it happens on school WhatsApp groups. It often results in a one-sided story without context, spreading misinformation, panic, and fear. Incidents that happen at school, whether involving students, teachers, or staff, are blown out of proportion by these groups. The schools may not even be aware of the matter as it's taken online first and not directly with the school.
In interviews with teachers, this is one of their biggest fears as their entire career gets scrutinized by a group of individuals online; imagine that had to happen in any other workplace. Sadly, this has resulted in some teachers wanting to leave their profession.
"Parent conversations on WhatsApp groups, when not properly moderated, can undermine healthy boundaries, invade privacy, and potentially lead to conflicts."
Admins of WhatsApp groups can also potentially be held responsible for libelous comments made by group members. Libel refers to the publication of a false statement that harms a person's reputation and can lead to a defamation lawsuit. To avoid potential legal issues, WhatsApp admins should be proactive in monitoring the content of their groups and taking action to remove any defamatory comments or content as soon as they become aware of it. Admins should also establish clear rules and guidelines for group members and enforce those rules consistently to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all members.
Children are also becoming involved in this trend of online defamation. It's unthinkable that children can have a WhatsApp group discussing each other and teachers, but it is happening.
It's crucial to keep it offline, and the first thing to do is address it in the correct school structures. Every single incident is serious, and the School treats it as such, so don’t fear addressing it with them; they are here to work with you, not against you! And every responsible party are held accountable, even more, so our teachers.
In conclusion, let's all take a step back and think before we post anything on WhatsApp groups. Keyboard warriors don't fix anything; they can harm a school, person, child, and mostly our teachers. Let us not cause harm to others through our words. Let's communicate respectfully and responsibly, considering our actions' potential consequences.
And if you really want to vent, my favourite is Eskom’s Twitter page!
