Thursday 18th November 2021
Social Media Concerns
We have become aware that a number of Tik Tok accounts have been created about Penicuik High School in recent weeks, the content of which includes inappropriate and offensive references to staff and comments by other students. The incidence of these accounts has become a concern locally and nationally for schools as in many cases they often contain offensive language; as well sexist and racist and defamatory comments. I am sure you will agree staff do not deserve to be subject to such inappropriate behaviour on social media.
Our Community Police Officer, PC Cassidy, will support us to identify any student responsible for creating and sharing such inappropriate accounts featuring the schools name as well as those who may be complicit in sharing or making offensive comments about school staff. We will also report these accounts to Tik Tok to be closed down.
I would be grateful of your support in discussing this with your son/daughter and would encourage you to monitor your child’s social media content. If you have any further information that can support identifying the individuals responsible please get in touch with their Head of House as follows:
Ms Lyon – Clerk Maxwell
Mr Craig Dewar – Liddell
Vapes/ E Cigarettes
There has been a recent surge in cases of students using vapes/ e-cigarettes within schools across Scotland and we also are starting to see a few incidents here, some in toilet areas. The school is totally smoke free, including a ban on such devices at all times. Students who are found in possession of and/or using such devices in the school will be subject to disciplinary action and parent/ carers will be contacted to collect the device.
This is as much a health issue as anything else as e-cigarettes/ vapes have been found to have negative effects on the heart, lungs and circulatory system and long term use could be damaging to individuals.
Thanks again to all parent/ carers for your on-going support of the school and we will update the new lunch service details next week prior to the 29 November.
Best wishes
Craig Biddick
Head Teacher
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