The Ministry of Education has issued a circular requiring social media platforms like WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram, used for educational activities in schools, to be continuously monitored by school authorities.
Education Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara stated that principals, vice principals, and department heads must serve as administrators of these groups. She noted that the Ministry has received reports on the negative impacts of social media in schools, prompting her to provide detailed guidelines to Provincial Secretaries, Education Secretaries, and relevant education authorities.
The Ministry’s instructions specify that school communication groups must be limited to curriculum-related discussions and educational activities. Administrators are accountable for any harm or reputational damage resulting from these platforms, and students without access to technology should not be disadvantaged. For primary students, educational materials should be shared in an organized manner, and social media should only be used for academic reminders or notifications.
Further, assignments or homework must not cause inconvenience to parents or families. Messages, images, or audio that violate student privacy or cause stress are prohibited, with strict disciplinary action to follow any violations. Any disputes arising in these groups will be subject to legal action per Sri Lankan laws, including the Right to Information Act and the Information and Communication Technology Act. (NewsWire)
