Two Andover secondary schools have severely disciplined a number of pupils for mocking their headteachers on Facebook.
28 students at Winton School have been suspended for being part of a group on the site. Meanwhile John Hanson Community School has also confirmed that it took action because of a similar page.
Chris McShane is the head at Winton and told Andover Sound why they excluded the pupils: "It's a major breach of school discipline in the sense that, although it happened in the privacy of their own home, there is a lack of respect for the position of head teacher in a school and that can not be allowed to happen.
"Secondly, obviously there is an element of cyber bullying. Whether it's me or it happens to somebody else we have to ensure that people understand exactly what they're doing.
"There's a very real danger that young people, sitting in the privacy of their own home, feel that social networking sites are a private affair. In actual fact it's going out to a very wide audience. We need to get that message across and parents need to understand that as well."
Mr McShane also said that although pupils are encouraged to have a voice there are lines that shouldn't be crossed: "We're a great believer in working with our students, listening to our students and freedom of speech is very important but there's a responsibility.
"Andover has the ambition to be a rights, respecting, responsibility town. We need to understand that with rights comes respect, comes responsibility. I think that what we've got here is a right without that respect and without that responsibility and that needs to be challenged."
Meanwhile Andover's biggest comprehensive school, John Hanson Community School, also took disciplinary action after a large number of their pupils set up and joined a group which mocked their head teacher, Richard Butler.
He said: "The school works very hard to provide the best possible experience for our students.
"Students who show disrespect and compromise the integrity and authority of the school through social networking sites will be dealt with robustly through the school's usual sanction process."
Click play to listen to Ben McGrail's interview with Mr McShane.
Many children and parents have been making their views on the decisions known. Andover Sound has been speaking to Karen whose daughter was one of the pupils involved: "I wasn't very happy with her for joining something like that because she's been on the other end of cyber bullying so she knows how it feels. She's never been excluded from school before so it didn't go down very well.
"I think she joined the group just for the sake of joining it because everybody else was doing it. She didn't realise the consequences of her actions. She has spoken to the head teacher and she has apologised so she is very upset about doing it."
What do you think about the suspensions? Leave your comments below.
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Comments
Luke Smith of Andover says:
12:55 on Friday 31st December 2010
"Schools Are Places Of Learning not places of Punishment.These things happen Children get excluded from school. Headteachers Don't want to banned Students for this as They say to parents
Facebook should be taken off for good"
Luke Smith of Andover says:
17:16 on Friday 14th May 2010
"It's over and done with and it should never happen again?
I Never go on facebook at all
Students should repsect their Headteachers and Teachers
And Finally John Hanson and Winton are good schools in Andover,"
Anon of Andover says:
21:59 on Wednesday 3rd February 2010
"seriously, pupils should have respect for their teachers and tbh if they dont its there choice too but i is unacceptable too make their opinions public but on the other hand pupils who say verbally that they hate a teacher do not get punished for it! "
Anon of Andover says:
13:50 on Wednesday 3rd February 2010
"Manuela, have you ever thought about returning back to Earth? "
Manuela of Andover says:
08:30 on Wednesday 3rd February 2010
"I had the honour and pleasure of meeting with Mr Mcshane yesterday morning. I have also met with Mr Charlie Currie, and felt exactly the same way. These two gentlemen are Heads of huge schools in Andover, with tremendous amount of responsibility riding on their shoulders. I find that British people are known generally for being quick to moan, but slow to come forward to compliment or to offer praise, and a thank you.
These two strong, forward thinking, and brilliant men, are not the only great Heads in Andover… But it takes a particular strong and confident person, to stand up and say ‘this is not acceptable behaviour and I will not allow children from my school, to participate in it’
It is my opinion that they are to be applauded … So all you parents that quietly think they did right, should also stand up and be counted. That way forums like this reflect the real opinions of Andover parents, and not just the voices and opinions of those that feel wronged or disagree with the decisions taken.
Ironically the very children that feel it is acceptable to be rude to the Heads, would never dream of allowing anyone and I mean Anyone to disrespect their friends. If you disrespect authority, and you send out that message to your children, then in time they too will/could/ possibly disrespect you.
"
Alan Resident of Andover says:
02:54 on Monday 1st February 2010
"I do agree that the Facebook incident needed to be dealt with however a couple of things bother me with it. Firstly, would the schools have reacted as swiftly if it had been a pupil being abused? Judging by some comments on here I suspect not. Maybe the head teachers would like to confirm their course of action if that were the case. Secondly, to the pupils bemoaning their restriction of "free speech", I wonder how you would react if someone was to post comments about you? I suspect then "free speech" would be anything but. Yes I think the schools reaction was over the top however when you get into the big wide world you'll find that "free speech" usually comes at a price."
AON of Andover of Andover says:
21:36 on Monday 25th January 2010
"while I think the heads were right,I think it has been blown out of proportion and I think a lot of kids have joined the group 2 see whats its about (some hopeing to get excluded as well) since all the publicity about it.
Also I was taking to a parent who told me that their child was being cyber bullied but when they aproached the school were told "as it was out of school time there was nothing they could do about it" so does that mean that for the school to take action pupils were on facebook durring school hours!"
william of andover says:
18:18 on Saturday 23rd January 2010
"I have a child which was sent this link by a friend, she clicked it but she never left a comment and does not even know the head teacher and has no feelings about him either way as she attends Harrow way school, yet she was excluded from school by Mr Currie the head teacher of Harrow way on Tuesday by phone for three days, Wednesday was her 1st day of exclusion, Thursday we received a massive homework package and Saturday we received a letter to tell us that she has been excluded and that all the homework has to be done during Wednesday through Friday, ??? not sure how, this letter was dated for the Thursday (great managerial skills Mr Currie), I phoned the school and talked to Mr Currie to tell him that I did not agree with his decision as I had looked at the FB page and although I thought that it was not right that someone had put this on FB and if I saw or heard that my child had joined the group however it happened I would have had her remove herself from it, I do think that what someone does in their own time and out of school is up to them in the way of simply joining a group, and it was not a matter for him to exclude pupils for, the children which did not leave any kind of remark on the page should have been given the chance to explain themselves and put things right, that is a part of growing up and learning your responsibilities and this matter has nothing to do with Mr Currie or Harrow way school. Manuela as a parent you have to stick up for your child’s rights when you think they have been miss treated as they cant do it for themselves, Nigel this is not punishment but dictatorship, MW the page should have been removed at the start but instead it was left on for a power trip, Samantha Leach how is a pupil supposed to respect a teacher when a teacher shows total disrespect to the pupil, Joe that doesn’t help but lol, Barack Obama of Andover are you a headmaster by any chance? Pupil of Andover if it breaches the terms of FB then FB should have removed it long before now but it is still there. My son has since joined the group, not because he is disrespectful but in protest of the way his sister has been treated and so have several of her friends for the same reason. Mr Currie also wrote in his letter to me the following, (you have the right to make representations about this decision to the governing body. It you wish to make representations please contact the clerk to the Governors on ***** at Harrow way community school, as soon as possible. Whilst the governing body has no power to direct reinstatement, they must consider any representations you make and may place a copy of their findings on your child’s school records), what is the point in reporting a head teacher to his own school, he knows he can get away with any thing."
Local Parent of Andover says:
17:13 on Friday 22nd January 2010
"Regarding comments on here about the exclusion just being a holiday - are any of you aware it is actually an offence - punishable by a fine (for the parent) - for an excluded child to be anywhere but at home during school hours? Get caught in any public place during school hours and it gets expensive. "
sharron wilkins of andover says:
08:37 on Friday 22nd January 2010
"i use facebook to talk to my friends over sea's at the end of the day excluesion is in place as a last resort not a first one, the exclusion rule has been mis-used in this case and the whole thing has been delt with in a way that is not acceptible, this should of gone to the board of governors for them to decided, instead its going to the board of governors after the excluesion, my grip is not one that i feel the children are in the right because yes they are wrong, its the fact i feel it has not been delt with correctly "
anon of Andover says:
19:38 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"I feel there is too much involvement from others here and that the School should be left to deal with this situation the way they feel is correct. I for one dont agree with facebook, its just a way for people to spy on one another and say things to or about people that you cannot say to their faces,only cowards use it. The pupils involved are patheic bored boring people and need to get some hobbies as one day this may happen to one of their Children and lets see how they feel when they look back on what they have done then. What goes around comes around."
Another comment leaver of Andover says:
19:35 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"After reading most of the comments left here by parents it is no wonder that their children can't spell properly as neither can they!!
Exclusion is only giving the pupils more time to get together to devise their next attack!! Whats wrong with good old lines or a thick ear?!"
Paul of Andover says:
19:16 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"74 members have now joined the group so excluding the first 28 really made a positive statement to other pupils, as already posted are the other members who joined this group that go to Winton now going to be excluded too? I`m thinking no!"
lisa of andover says:
14:23 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"well said anon of andover you've hit the nail on the head"
anon of Andover says:
13:55 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"Manuela, don't be such a drama queen, this is a discussion board, not a readers digest column. People have the right to voice their opinion on this matter which matters to them. Sorry, but i don't buy the emotional blackmail propaganda you're spewing out. Yes, it's a terrible thing to happen to people in Haiti, yes i've donated, but this is a news post on a facebook group!!!"
Manuela of Andover says:
13:36 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"I wonder is too much energy and time and hot air is not being now spent on this?
Ask your selves, everyone… if we were Hit, here in Andover♥ with the same ferocity as Haite has been, would we be talking about facebook?♥ Would we be looking to see what we could do to support ourselves in that crisis?♥
Put into the wider perspective of what is happening with children being pulled out from under rubble that they didn’t ask to be buried under♥ I’m wondering, if we are all looking too much inwardly instead of caring about what is truly worth♥ worrying about♥
Let’s see now, if we can douse the fires of comments, and counter complaints♥and put an end to all of this.♥ If we as grown ups, do it.♥ maybe our children will see, that it is time to move on, with the things that matter in life♥ And if none of you believe me, then imagine for one tiny second, one millionth of a second how you, – yes you, reading this,- would feel if your child was suddenly killed♥ that for me puts it all into perspective♥
"
Jill of Andover says:
11:49 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"I think excluding these pupils is the wrong way to go, your simply giving them an 'extra holiday' have you never heard of isolation?! I went to Winton, and the school is lacking! He's acting in a manor that is just the same 'as a baby throwing his toys out of the pram' I think it is totally unacceptable to exclude the pupils as he was 'slated' online, as people have spoke about there children being bullied, and yet the school done nothing! I think he needs to grow up and stop being one of the children, and also do something for the other children being bullied! "
cb of andover says:
10:07 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"after reading the comments on the facebook site i was gobsmacked at the things the pupils have written did they really think they were going to get away with it even though i do not agree with what they have done i think that suspending them for 4 days was not the right punishment because alot of them will just see it as an excuse for more time of school maybe they should have been given lessons on how to respect people and also extra lessons on how to spell because they clearly dont know how to do either i also think that facebook should consider taking it of because as this debate is going on more pupils are joining and its not just jhon hanson and winton pupils harrowway pupils are also being suspended for it "
JILLY of ANDOVER says:
09:47 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"Whatever the comments that anyone makes here, there is always going to be someone who does not agree with them. Whatever has happened,whatever was said on the Facebook site it is still a form of Bullying!
If its to the face,or by computer,be it to a Headmaster,or a pupil or anyone for that matter it is still someone being bullied!
The children involved were wrong to do what they did,get over it, take your punishment and be glad you got of as lightly as you did!
If the government in this country were better at dealing with punishments in schools like they were when I went to school,then the punishments might just make them think, the next time they want to have a laugh at someone else's expense! "
Concerned Parent of Andover says:
08:32 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"Having looked and read through most of the comments on here there is one point that really jumps out at me. Wouldnt a better punishment for the children be extra english lessons so that they can learn how to spell? So much time is spent on rights, responsibilities and respect and not enough time is being spent on reading, writing and arithmatic"
lisa of andover says:
08:15 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"why is this group still going ? i really cant cant believe its not been stopped. are the new people that have joined going to be punished to ? come on the people who have the power, shut it down"
am of andover says:
07:52 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"i thought this morning i would look again at the site on facebook and not only has more people joined but some have commented ,if who ever thought going public about this matter was going to stop it then they were wrong .like i said in my last comment they want to see how many can get excluded .and like what MR D comment said if you do nothink they will just give up .in this case the children have got a massive response so cant see this ending .for those people that havent seen the site then log into your facebook account and in the search box top right hand cornor just put in ...mr mc shane enter and then click on group . some of the comments are shocking and those children should get the full punishement ."
Parent of Pupil at winton says:
07:12 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"My child was excluded for this, I would like to see exclusions forgotten about as when my child returned to isolation missing her break and lunch hour she begged me to keep her off school until I went in for the meeting. I think punishment should be isolation and detentions from now on. Abolish exclusions"
Pupil of Winton school. says:
06:53 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"The fact of the matter is that the pupil who made the site invited everyone and TEACHERS! At Winton we have focussed on cracking cyber bullying and have had countless assembleys. It was also against the law which states no image can be next to a name where members of the public can see without consent. I think mr McShane has really helped the pupils by not going to the police. They had 3 days at home and parents were simply not bothered to punish because its pathetic. No the pathetic thing is that these pupils have not been punished and will freely cyber bully again. I think the pupils are lucky to not have criminal records etc as if it was me and I found out that all my efforts had been forgotten in the moment of madness I would definately prosecute."
Robin Toates of Luggershall says:
06:43 on Thursday 21st January 2010
"wots happend 2 freedum of speetch ? this is all blowen owt of preporsion nd peeple r macking a mountin owt of a rat hill"
A parent of one of the students of Andover says:
23:28 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"One point that has been missed in all of this, normally in a case were one has done wrong, or been wronged, there are two sides.
As a Parent, we have not been given any evidence as to what was posted, what was said by whom to whom, who set up the page, who sent the invite’s to join the page. As a parent of a child that has been caught up in this, and having that child spend three additional days at home, (doing additional homework and coursework) The additional time at home has probably helped in that sense. I’m still none the wiser! Does anyone out there know the specific facts?
It would seem that for what even reason, the school, and in this case, the head teacher as acted a judge, juror, and executioner. It is an issue that I for one will be taking up with the School, the Governors, and the Education Authority.
I don’t think this will be last we hear of Facebook problems, (or any other of the social networking sites) within schools, or outside schools come to that. I don’t condone what ever has been done or said, but I don’t know what!
"
cherniece of andover says:
22:47 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"i dont understand why no on can see it from the pupils piont? if someone had a group about them no one would care they wouldn't do anything to prevent, they will say there is nothin we can do. i just dont get it? im 100% against what he has done!"
paula of andover says:
22:13 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"i agree with sharon (14.25). she comments that the person who set this up should be punished and the pupils that left comments also.i believe these would be better off being excluded for a week at least. the pupils that only joined but did not leave any comments should only have been punished with after school detentions and extra work.
excluding children after having so many days off school due to the weather is unacceptable!!"
Mrs Spell inmi stakes of Adronver says:
22:03 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"i fink thist hasd al bin blown outa prortion. my kidz gets al sortz off punisments wen thay mes about... tats how it shuld bee.. bring bac the kane.."
K of andover says:
21:59 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I say ban them for good. Pathetic bunch. Theyve only been sent home for 4 days. Not enough. There not very bright are they, facebook doh! . Use your loafs next time."
Pupil of Andover says:
21:58 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"Good on the headteachers, to be honest. No matter who the group was about- headmasters or no headmasters- it was intentional. Freedom of expression or not, it breaches the terms of Facebook anyway. "
Mr D Broadway of Anodver says:
21:47 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"Well reading all this now I think the whole thing has been blown out of proportion . First of all has anything been asked or any reason been given as to why they did it ? Like has the headmaster done something to actually upset these people ? Somethng that purhaps he might not even be aware of ? And okay , it is not really acceptable . However the best way to resolve it is to just do nothing . If it is not bothering you , then they will give up . As they say , forgivness is more anoying than a hostile responce . Even if the puples have not been named no matter what happens now , with the publicity this has gained , for them it has still probaly been a success , a sucess that is has got to the headteachers . So suspening them will achive nothing . No matter what you do now , the puples to my way of thinking have won . Should have just turned a blind eye and at least make out it did not bother you .
On another point . It is mentioned about encouraging pupil to have there own voice . Fair enough I might have left school twenty five years ago now but I would say that is open to debate .
"
Barack Obama of Andover says:
21:09 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"Referring back to 20.47pm. Johns' comment about weekend detentions... Who is going to run them?? Perhaps PARENTS need to take on that responsibility, as they seem to be forgetting many other responsibilities... Many people seem to be going off on different tangents and comparing cyber-bullying to what the issue was originally about. The fact remains, these students are obviously not disciplined at home, hence why they get away with what they do. And the parents are too quick to defend them. Stop mothering them and rewarding them with various gifts like xbox's and PS3's and start showing them real discipline... And again I quote from MW 13.59pm 'Grow a pair' and stop passing the buck..."
John S of Andover says:
20:47 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"The pupils involved needed to be disciplined for their lack of respect and their total disregard for the humiliation they caused to the individual involved. What has annoyed me, is the inconstistancy in how cyberbullying is dealt with. In any modern rights, respecting and responsible society everybody is equal. Here it appears that the lack of respect for a headteacher deserves a greater punishment than would perhaps be imposed if it were some lesser mortal, child or parent. To be applauded for the action he has taken Mr McShane needs to ensure that all cases of cyberbullying are dealt with in the same manner using fixed and or permanant exclusion as required. Anything less would suggest that he is either over sensitive or believes he is above everyone else because he is a headteacher. The use of exclusion is used far to frequently in schools today. Additional work and weekend detentions would be more effective."
parent of students at winton of andover says:
20:14 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I am a parent of students past and present at winton and have seen a big change since Mr Mcshane took over as headmaster.
Mr Mcshane and the staff are turning winton around for the better and they have done a good job so far and continue to do so.
I have always found that any problem i contact the school about is dealt with very seriously, so do not feel it was only dealt with the way it was
because it was the head it was directed at.
I for one have nothing but praise for the the school.
I agree with the way these students have been punished i saw the link for the group when the students were saying they had been expelled and why and thought it very disrespectful.
If Mr McShane had not taken appropiate action other students may feel oh well Mr Mcshane's not bothered, we can cyber bully any students
at winton or anyone we want to nothing will be done by Mr Mcshane.
So in my opinion which im sure some people will not agree with Mr Mcshane has made a statement inappropiate behaviour will not be tolerated at winton.
It has been in the news cyber bullying has already had an effect on some children and also caused children to take there own lifes.
I know some will think thats a bit OTT but it does happen.
So by making this statement and making an example of the students responsible
it may just mean that another child at winton does not get cyber bullied as it has been made clear that it will not be tolerated.
"
Barack Obama of Andover says:
18:50 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"What a day... Its been really interesting reading all of these comments today and I have been astonished by what I have read. I remember the good old days when we would not even dare to speak back to the teachers. If anyone dared to, then a severe punishment would be dished out... and if you dared to tell your parents, they would also dish out more punishment... The world appears to have gone mad. And to begin to gain an idea of where to start looking, you have to start at home. Children these days will grow up copying their parents, whether you believe it or not, its a scientific fact. And unfortunately this then stems into the real world. Touching on the subject should the pupils have been suspended, well I believe they should have. and secondly they should also have been subject to public humiliation. The Chinese have got the education system right, and thats why they are streets ahead of the British. I revert back to a number of comments earlier about the pupils joining groups without really understanding what they are about... If parents spent longer bringing up their children correctly, this would then teach them right from wrong. But unfortunately we live in a society that spends far too much time looking for someone else to blame, rather than looking (and I quote) at 'the man in the mirror'. Parents have a huge responsibility, but unfortunately do not live up to expectations...."
Peter of Andover says:
18:40 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I do not condone the pupils for their actions,as we all went to school in the past and did the same thing,the difference to day is we have technology."
Emily of Andover says:
18:29 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"As a former pupil of winton school i find Mr McShane's actions too exclude pupils over this typical facebook manner very appauling. I believe everybody has the right of "free" speech and entitled too their own personal opinion would he rather they came too him in school and told him he was whatever they referred too him as in the group!"
john hanson pupil of andover says:
18:20 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"really? do you really think excluding pupils will seriously disencourage them from pulling a 'prank' like this again, excluding pupils is just another reason to 'get them out of the way'. i understand that the situation may have offended our headtecher, but, do you remember when you where young and you and/or your friends did not fully approve of a teacher, you would want to express just how much you disapprove. It's a small prank nobody got hurt. I thought you got excluded for a fight or something where someone got hurt so, get over it.
"
andy of andover says:
18:12 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"The head master has acted in an unfair manner and is in my mind a form of bullying to the pupils, its as if they are ganging up on the pupils to get their point across, i do not beleive for one moment that when this so called headmaster was at school that he did not moan about a teacher and proberly in a manner to equal that of the facebook group, i think he needs to take a look at how silly he is making himself look, i am not saying the pupils are right but i am saying he has delt with it very badly,this so called aduilt should start acting like one and stop trying to be a martyr you have given the pupils what they wanted .....A REACTION"
Graham of Andover says:
17:54 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"What a pointless thing to do !!
Give children time off school for doing wrong!! wouldn't it have been better to give them EXTRA homework, or pick up litter around the community, but that probably infringes their human rights, some may detect a certain cynicism in my tone, well after all isn't it the schools themselves who have taught these children, (sorry students, oh sorry I forgot you have to call them learners now) to have a voice and to say what they think, and don't we teach them that we live in a democratic society of "FREE" speech for "ALL". The teachers only have themsleves to blame, and should remember the old adage, if you go looking for it, the truth will hurt you.
My Sons school is full of rights respect, but what it doesn't teach them is that respecting one persons right, can infringe on anothers, and this case proves that point.
In any case I would like to ask, at what point in the day does a schools authority over children end ?"
cherniece of andover says:
17:38 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"just herd there bringing a guide out for parents about the internet? whats the piont doesn't anyone have the right to be free anymore. you can only learn from your own mistakes. excluding pupils for a silly group shouldn't be the way to go. as its been said many times they need to go to school, some of them are in there final year an have there GCSE's coming up. clearly mr mc shane cant be improving the school that well for kicking them out!?"
Former winton school pupil of Andover says:
17:38 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"As a former Winton School pupil, I strongly believe that a fundamental part of growing up is learning respect.
The Facebook page shows a lack of respect and punishment is necessary for pupils that believed being a part if this would be fun. In previous posts I read that some say freedom of speech should be mentioned but for children that know no better than to be rude and disrespectful to not only an adult but a Head Master. I hope that future pupils will learn that such 'games' will not tolerated!"
Angela Frith of Andover says:
17:38 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
" If you Act Respectfully and Responsibly, you will get far more out of life than just your Rights."
Local Parent of Andover says:
17:33 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I've been reading the comments on this topic through the day.
The one main point that comes out of this was made by Sharon.
If these two schools (lets not forget John Hanson are involved) now take no action against cyber bullying (in any form - web or mobile phone) of a pupil by other pupils in the future they leave themselves open to total ridicule.
Take note Teachers - we will be watching all of you from now on to ensure you react as promptly to protect a pupil when it's reported to you."
Joe of Andover says:
17:27 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"AAAAHAHAHAHAAAA Mr butler :P"
Samantha Leach of Eastleigh says:
17:25 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"It is a lack of respect, pure and simple. Yes I believe these children need to be disciplined, however suspension from school is not the way, as they will see it as a reward; having time off school. Bullying should not be tolerated FULL STOP. Whether this be another pupil or a teacher. Kids don't know they are born these days and have too much freedom of speech or rather backchat should I say! Parents must educate and teach their children moral values and life lessons about respecting their elders and rules and guidelines are there for a purpose. Punishment in my eyes was the right thing to do, as it shows that it is NOT acceptable. Cyber bullying is on the increase which often causes suicides...it MUST BE STOPPED!"
georgia of andover says:
17:15 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"there there MR BUTLER *tap on the head* its only meant to be a school prank for harmless fun DONT TAKE IT TO HEART. we know that you were fair in your actions and punnishments, better then winton handled it with its ridiculous unhelping sanctions. Pupils will learn nothing from this, take it from a school pupil. Everyone has been there and everyone has done it, so PIPE DOWN. (: from your faithful pupil. "
cindy of andover says:
17:08 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"the person that set this group is a ledgend and should not be punished for having an opinion. facebook is all about self expression and this is stopping that. excluding children is like an extra holiday and wont help any situation (: bless the haters"
Manuela Attitudes of Gratitude Campaigner of Andover says:
15:49 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"
My name is Manuela and I would like to help pour some oil on inflamed and trouble waters here ♥Let’s forget the fact that it was headmasters here, for just one moment♥ bear with me while I try and put a different perspective on all of this.
All children and indeed parents too are highly protective of their own ♥and in the case of children they are indeed extremely protective of their friends. So much so that if you ‘diss’ one of their friends you are in effecting dissing them too♥
I fail to see how it is ok then, for students to band together and diss a member of the teaching profession, much less the head of the schools, and for them to expect no retribution♥ there in lies anarchy, and a total break down of discipline♥
The very same kids would not stand by and allow anyone to diss one of their own friends♥
As a parent myself, and a child many many years ago, if I did anything that warranted being told off♥ or having the ruler on my hand for being late for school. The last thing that I would do, would go home and tell my parents♥ Because I would have been admonished all over again for bring shame on my family♥
Like wise my boys were probably not saints♥ but if they did anything wrong I would not have been told, for the same reason because they would not have wanted any further punishment from me♥ As a parent I’d like to think that my children reflect the way that I brought them up♥ To respect the law, and Older People. All their Teachers, Nurses, Doctors, etc etc. We now seem to have a culture where everyone knows their Rights♥ which is fine and dandy♥
But their does not seem to be the same amount of time devoted to explaining that with their rights comes indeed responsibilities. Look up the alphabet. E comes before I so responsibility comes before rights♥
Finally a word to all mums caught in this emotional turmoil, of emotion, facts, and wanting to do right by your child, but at the same time wondering if all this could have been handled differently♥.
If you allow and condone your child, to disrespect the headmaster or for that matter any Single Grown Up Person. Then be prepared for your child to disrespect you. We as grown ups should stand shoulder to shoulder, with the heads, and just say♥
Yes this started as a joke. It is no longer a joke.♥ Let’s draw a line under it all. Move on together as one. ♥ Grown ups showing our younger generations, the boundaries from which they can all grow, and become mature and wonderful members of society♥ There is no problem too great that the word sorry, sincerely said♥ and felt cannot put right♥ I hope that these words make sense and help strike a chord of calm to everyone♥ God Bless♥
"
bucks of Andover says:
15:14 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"Spot on Sharron! "
Nigel of Andover says:
15:12 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"Surely the problem here is that a lot of the people involved can't see that they have done wrong which is another sad symptom of todays society,we all had opinions about our teachers when i was at school but to blatantly put critiscism on a public forum shows a major lack of common sense,also can i address the point being mention that does the fault lie with the headteachers,it definitly does not as all they are doing is handing out good old fashion punishment which is something that todays society does not understand due to the involvement of too many do gooders and theorists."
sharron of Andover says:
14:25 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"i feel it has been delt with all wrong, the ones who set it up shouldbe exclueded but the ones who joined it should of been set extra work and an essay on their actions, my daughter got bullied on this site and when i went to see him about it he didnt want to know ....one rule for one and one rule for another, everyone i have spoken to agrees with this all he has done is make himself a target for more fun at his expence, if he had reported the site to facebook then they would of all been blocked that would have been more painfull to the children than giving them for days off, that more of a reward than a punishment"
MW of Andover says:
13:59 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"Can't anybody see how ridiculous this is? Yes, the pupils are definitely in the wrong in this situation, and I agree that the facebook group is immature and a very poor reflection on the characters who created it and those who joined it. However joining a facebook group is NOT grounds for exclusion, this is absolutely pathetic.
This is a head teacher we are talking about, in a secondary education establishment - How on earth can he expect not to get a bit of stick from pupils just for purely being in power!
This is just so outrageous! How can a head teacher actually exclude pupils for joining a facebook group!
Regardless of the fact that facebook is something completely separate from school, people join facebook groups flippantly nowadays, sometimes without even thinking about it - How on earth can you punish someone for that.
These students should appeal against this exclusion. As petty and stupid as their behaviour was, it just isn't grounds for exclusion.
We, as people, have the right to say what we think. And these pupils should be allowed to express their opinions. It would be different if they had gone right up to the head teachers face and disrespected him on school grounds.
But a facebook group? NO! We have the right to do that!
I don't understand how people can't see how completely awful this is. Soon pupils are going to be disciplined for writing something bad about the school in their diary.
Where does it stop?
And as for the head teacher, this group is mean and I don't agree with it at all. But if you don't want to see it, don't go looking for it for a start. And also, if you want to be respected as a head teacher by these CHILDREN - you are an adult! How about growing a pair!
I'm pretty sure it violated the terms and conditions of a facebook group anyway, why doesn't someone just report the group and be on their merry way!"
An Affected Parent of Andover says:
13:44 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I have read the comments made, and I must say, most, raise valid points, but, why people like Jilly even bother I don't know!
My child was involved in the Facebook item, but like others the 3 1/2 days off school or the lost of the mobile phone, or the lost of the internet, will this do any good in the long run?
From what I have learnt over the last few days, many off these students don't know what they are doing on or with face book. They except invite's etc from the friends to join pages, sections of the site without really knowing what they are getting into. I think there is a real need here for additional education in these social networking site’s.
It would be so easy to ban access to these site’s outright, and I for the time being have taken this action. But, at the end of the day, the Internet is such an important part of not only school life, but life in general, and we as parents, can’t stop it no matter how we try.
School work, and much of the homework these days is done on computer, submitted online to the school computer for marking, it’s a fact of life!
I must say that I agree with the comments that Paul and Sara made regarding the days of real school discipline are gone and not likely to ever return, for the bad in my book. Discipline is fine, but, it must be measured and consistent. It is not.
I have been involved with Winton School with after school activities during the last 6 months, and the way in which some students speak to their teachers staggers believe!
I know my child, and some of the students that have been caught up in this, and I must say they are not the ones you would expect any kind of trouble from, far from it. My child has out performed all targets set during the school years, and I was somewhat shocked when we got the phone call from the school.
These students need to know what is acceptable not only on the Internet, but in school as well, punishment is not the only way, education is just as important. Punishment where punishment is due. The problem is that with all the Human Rights these days, teachers can’t even shout at the kids, without risk of being taken to court. Bring back the stick!
The kids need to realize that they can do things on a computer in the comfort of their room, which could be seen by the whole world. People can see things, even if it is not directly directed at them.
Oh, Jilly, just to put you right, it is not the web-site that is it fault, rather the way in which it is used. The problem was the web-page was set up by one student, then sent invites for their friends to join. And they did, not knowing in many cases what they were joining. Much like you except a friend!
Whilst this whole episode was very much regrettable, I think it is just a sign of the times. Respect in some cases is a commodity that is in very short supply. Now that one can be arrested and put in jail, for protecting ones self or one’s own home just about sums it up.
"
A of Andover of Andover says:
13:07 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I am just wondering if this head teacher is actually an adult? Because he really sounds like a child at the moment. Cyber Bullying? Why did he feel the need to exclude 28 children when the week before the schools in the area was closed and the pupils lost this time at school, then these children lost another 3 days, one of which the whole school was closed again due to the weather. was that really a punishment to these kids? NO, show me a child that wouldn't like 3 days off school. Maybe someone needs to look into why the students felt they had to express their feelings so publicly and is the head master actually at fault here?"
M-A of Andover says:
12:45 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"Good on the Headmasters! I have always been pro-male Head teachers, they are strict and instill disciplne that most Headmistresses are not able to."
Cherniece of Andover says:
11:34 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I went to winton school but I cant see why pupils have been excluded for that? Everyone has a a right to have a opinion. I got cyber bullied when I was there an they said they couldnt do anything about it, but yet a head teacher has it happen to them an they exclude everyone. I just think he is stupid now there are kids running round town! "
Lawrence of Andover says:
11:11 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I went to Winton School and it was great.
I read a lot of remarks, whatever you think, writing things in the public domain can make you libel if it is slander.
There are plenty of reports of people losing there jobs over remarks written on FB or the wrong addressed email.
Hopefully not to much damage has been done and the people that wrote these things may learn a valuable lesson ` you are responsible for your own actions'.
Its very tough in the job market!
Don't screw you're life up!
You only have one life!"
Sharon of Andover says:
10:21 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I am all for some punishment but wait..My son was physically bullied at school for a while and the person responsible was not excuded yet cyber bullies are excuded!!! Some thing is so very wrong there."
Sarah of Andover says:
10:06 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"Judging by some of the spelling on here the kids should be given extra lessons!
Perhaps detentions would have been the answer?!
Well done to the teachers for making a stand though BUT... how did they find out about it? Were they on the facebook group themselves? ;-)"
scott of andover says:
09:43 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"get over it teachers you cant stop any form of group on facebook typical of winton school to over react on such a minor group!
respect to the people who made the group!"
carla of andover says:
09:27 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"good on u mr mc shane even no i left winton and only go bk for me exams but u have to do it"
karen of andover says:
09:15 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"my daughter was one of the pupils that joined the group,she join the group as she thought it was funny,but after being excluded for 3and a half days and losing her mobile and internet access at home she relised how serious it was.we went into see the head on thursday and she did say sorry to him,"
ben of andover says:
09:11 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I think suspending 28pupils is rediculas. Facebook has lots of stupid groups and these kids will join them! You punish them for that"
JILLY of ANDOVER says:
09:01 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
""Yes, 28 Pupils from a local school were excluded for joining a FaceBook group that did disrespect there headmaster.. I have NO sympathy in any way for these pupils,they should have been kicked out for good from the school. I have children at this school and Yes my children use FaceBook,But I shall add they Know right from wrong,and were not part of this group! Facebook and the Internet is a safe place if used correctly,the children excluded from the school were not forced to join the website that got them excluded..Its not the website that is in the wrong here it's some of the people that use it! Maybe this will teach them a hard lesson but I very much doubt it! They should be named and shamed and made to apologise to the headmaster!""
Mike of Andover says:
09:01 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"It makes a plesant change to see some decisive action being taken by schools for once. I totally agree that everyone should be held responsible for their actions and this particular behaviour as well as being unacceptable and undermining can lead to much more serious incidents which can have tragic consequences if directed at vunerable people. I don't think this is a matter of over sensitivity by the head teachers but of taking a robust stance and teaching our kids a valuable lesson! Though having said that I don't think they should be excluded for an excessive period of time, just long enough to make the point and for the parents (who will no doubt suffer as well) to force the message that there are consequences for their children's actions."
anon of andover says:
08:23 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"discipline begins at home not at school !!"
Paul of Andover says:
08:11 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"My son was one of the winton pupils who join the group; he never commented on the page and as wrong as it was he joined the group as he thought it was funny at the time, being excluded did not discipline or punish my son, he got 4 days off school with no homework sent home .
Sadly the days of real school discipline are gone and not likely to ever return.
Why should I discipline my child in the home when outside of the home there is no discipline for their actions? A lack of discipline results in a lack of respect.
"
lisa of andover says:
08:06 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"well mr McShane ! Things like this need to be stamped out.At least taking action like this will stop other children doing the same in the future.Iv heard what a fantastic head he is and his actions in this matter just proves it."
rebekah of andover says:
07:32 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"im a student of winton school
he is a good head teacher
he has turned the school around
now it a better school
i dnt no why they made this webstie
i saw it and like he has help this school loads and ur saying this About thim?"
am of andover says:
07:28 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"i know of this group due to alot of friends children getting excluded .i have looked at the group many time and i think that excluding the child is wrong ,reading the web page today it has gained over 40 childen in a week . the children are trying to get as many as they can to join just to see if they all get excluded ( the schools could soon be empty ) ..some children will get the link and be intrested in what the page is saying so will join just to have a look these children are getting into trouble just for joining .there are people on there that have writen some nasty stuff ,i think the punishment should of gone to those children and the ones that just joined without commenting should of been spoken to and asked to withdrew them self from the page . i can not see this stopping ,and what teacher or school will be next ."
sara of andover says:
07:25 on Wednesday 20th January 2010
"I have no problem with discipline and it is about time that children were told that their behavior is unacceptable, however, the punishment is inconstant. If the head teachers in these schools stamped out such behavior in their schools then it would not spread to out of school.
There is a massive lack of discipline.
it seems like swift decisive action has been taken when it is directed at a member of staff but if it was a child I feel the action would not have been the same at all.
It's all too little, too late "
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