Education Bosses Say Don’t Name & Shame Staff or Pupils Online

The Isle of Man’s Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) has urged parents to stop posting concerns about their child’s school online, stating that naming and shaming students and parents on social media is wrong.

Instead, the Department is asking parents to use the appropriate channels to raise issues or provide feedback.

The Department said it is aware of comments and statements made online recently but has asked that these matters be addressed directly with the school or through official channels within the DESC.

This comes after a wave of parental complaints on social media about schools allegedly shaming students who cannot afford to pay for dress-down days, a lack of transparency on how the money raised is spent, and schools failing to respond to parental concerns.

One parent, Katie Ohea, recently alleged that children at St Ninian’s High School were named in front of classmates if they had not paid the required charity fee.

She told Gef that staff were ‘singling out’ students, causing ‘utter embarrassment’ to those unable to contribute.

‘Even if it’s legal to enforce such a payment, it’s morally wrong to humiliate them,’ Katie said.

‘The school has been charging £1 for dress-down days, but unlike every other school I’ve enquired at, St Ninian’s makes this a mandatory payment rather than a voluntary contribution.

‘Some families could be struggling – for some, it could be the difference between buying a loaf of bread to feed their kids or their child not being singled out at school.’

Another parent shared similar concerns, stating: “Calling out students in front of the entire classroom for not bringing £1 is humiliating.

‘[Staff] should take it up with the parents, not the child.’

After nine days, the DESC responded to Gef’s enquiry, issuing a statement.

The Department, which oversees all schools on the island, insisted that ‘no student is turned away’ for non-payment during school charity days.

A spokesperson said: ‘The Department is committed to supporting families and ensuring that all students can participate in school activities, regardless of their financial circumstances.

‘Schools ensure that any fundraising activities, including dress-down days, remain inclusive and voluntary.

‘St Ninian’s has a long-standing tradition of holding a non-uniform ‘Glad Rags’ day on the last day of each half-term, which has been in place for more than 30 years.

‘Students are given the opportunity to donate £1 to wear non-uniform, and while all those who choose to participate are encouraged to contribute, no student is ever turned away if they are unable to do so.

‘The days are well-established as positive charitable events.’

While the DESC maintains that contributions are voluntary, recent allegations have sparked wider conversations on social media about the handling of school fundraising activities and the importance of protecting students from potential embarrassment.

Now, the DESC is asking parents to take any concerns directly to the school or the Department, rather than using social media to voice complaints.

In a fresh statement, a DESC spokesperson said: ‘The Department is aware of comments and statements that have been made online recently but requests that these are addressed through the appropriate channels available, either via the school or the Department.

‘This will ensure that we are able to establish what may have occurred and resolve concerns as soon as possible.’

As schools return after the half-term break, the Department has reminded the public that its staff members are dedicated professionals committed to serving the community.

It also emphasised that constructive dialogue and mutual respect are essential in fostering a positive environment for students, staff, parents, and the wider community.

‘The Department is committed to ensuring the well-being of the entire school community and asks that individuals refrain from public shaming or harassment that targets our staff or students on social media,’ the spokesperson added.

‘The naming of individuals on social media has a negative impact on both their professional and personal lives and can cause significant distress.

‘If there are concerns or issues, these can be raised directly with the school or to the Department using this link: https://desc.gov.im/corporate/corporate/contact-us/.

‘This enables us to work together to create a supportive and respectful environment for all.’