Burton pupils are being warned about the pitfalls of social media after one shocking case that saw an entire class bullying one pupil through WhatsApp.

It comes as pupils in Burton schools are being taught about the negative effect social media can have on their emotional wellbeing and what they can do to ensure their safety online.

Dan Ortiz, of Burton-based BrightFutures Un-Ltd, which has provided four workshops for the schools, said one example which sticks in his mind was a case of bullying.

He said: "During our workshops we encourage the children and teachers to share openly about their experiences online.

"We had some interesting discussions around their experiences.

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"The two examples that I remember the most was a case of bullying at a school that was carried out through WhatsApp and it involved almost an entire classroom.

"The other example came from a female pupil. She had been posting on Youtube and sharing private information about herself.

"In both cases, we discussed why these platforms have age restriction and how they were breaking them by lying about their age.

"We also discussed how to avoid bullies and how to protect themselves in platforms like Youtube."

Both examples did not happen at Burton schools, but the programme has been expanded to Year Six pupils at Holy Rosary, Tower View and Winshill Village Primary School, thanks to funding.

Pupils at Burton schools take part in the social media safety workshops

Councillor Conor Wileman, who represents Winshill and Brizlincote on Staffordshire County Council, teamed up with Winshill Parish Council to provide the funding for emotional wellbeing and social media courses run by BrightFutures Un-Ltd.

Councillor Wileman said: "In recent years, the negative effect that social media can have on the emotional health of children has become well known.

"The purpose of this course was to provide an early intervention program for primary schools that focuses on developing an Emotional Toolkit for primary school pupils.

"These courses focus on online safety but they also go further, equipping pupils with different life skills such as self-worth, critical thinking, resilience and awareness.

"I’m delighted that we have been able to offer this to Year 6 pupils in Winshill ready for their move to secondary school in 2020."

Mr Ortiz added: "The four workshops engaged every pupil, supporting their emotional needs and highlighting positives and negatives of social media through interactive activities.

"We used videos to illustrate the need for safety and the truth about fake marketing/advertising.

"Each child designed and created a tool to support the areas of identity, value, resilience and affirming true likes from real stories and being themselves. 

"All these tools will hopefully enable the children to positively manage their social media engagement now and in the future."

The workshops

The program has four workshops, each one with a different topic that aims to inform and empower the children about a healthy use of social media.

Workshop 1: Me not a Meme

In this session pupils discuss the idea that everyone is a unique individual and that they do not have to try to copy someone else, especially online.

Workshop 2: Fake News!

In this session pupils explore how the internet portrays an unrealistic and unattainable image and/or lifestyle, and how they can spot these.

Workshop 3: You are worth it!

In this session pupils discuss online safety especially how to protect themselves emotionally. They also discuss why they should choose to protect themselves and what they can practically do to stay safe.

Workshop 4: Go Viral!

In the final session pupils are challenged to live life outside of social media. They are also challenged to take their time back and to use social media as means to ‘Tell your story’ and not as a proxy life.