Facebook comments result in suspensions

THIRTY-FIVE Springwood State High School students were suspended last week after “inappropriate” comments bullying a staff member were posted on Facebook.

Department of Education Greater Brisbane regional director, Chris Rider, said Education Queensland had been made aware of the Facebook group page and processes were being followed to have this content removed immediately.

“The department does not tolerate bullying, harassment and threatening behaviour directed at staff or students,” he said.

“The students from Springwood State High School have been disciplined in line with the school’s Responsible Behaviour Plan.

“Behaviour contrary to the good order and management of a school is not acceptable whether it takes place on Facebook or any other medium.”

Mr Rider said parents also had an important role to play in monitoring the children’s behaviour on these sites.

“Schools work closely with parents to address these issues when they arise, and to help ensure the schools’ messages about inappropriate internet content are reinforced at home,” he said.

Inappropriate use of the Facebook site also led to the suspension of a student from a Brisbane private boy’s school who created a page entitled “if one million people join, I’ll give Daniel Morcombe back”.

The page mocks the disappearance of the 13-year-old, who went missing on December 7, 2003.

Online vandalism such as this has prompted Queensland Premier Anna Bligh to write to Facebook asking the site to take action and prevent people from hijacking online memorials.