Instagram Account Showing Unauthorized Photos Of Pennsbury Students

FALLSINGTON, PA —Pennsbury High School parents and students have been alerted about an Instagram site that is posting pictures and videos of students taken on school property without the knowledge that they are being photographed or filmed.

Pennsbury High School Principal Reggie Meadows sent a letter to Pennsbury High School parents and students informing them of the Instagram site called phs.people.

Meadows said the owners of the accounts are posting students’ pictures without their permission, posting inappropriate comments, and using derogatory language directed at students.

"I would like to thank the students that came forward to report this negative activity and I encourage students to make the administration aware of other unsafe actions or activities," he said in the letter.

"This is not who we aspire to be at Pennsbury High School and it does not fit with our core beliefs," Meadows said in his letter. "Our beliefs and goals are to Prioritize safety, Have respect for self and others, and Strive for Success. Taking and posting pictures of others does not support any of these beliefs. Not only does it violate our core beliefs, but it is also strictly against the Pennsbury Student Code of Conduct."

Meadows said the policy states that cell phones and electronic devices may not be used to record images or voice recordings on school district property. The use of cell phones and electronic devices is prohibited at all times, in locker rooms, bathrooms, health suites, and other changing areas.

Violations of these policies can result in suspension from school and local police being notified.

"I am extremely grateful and proud of the students that are coming forward to share what is happening. We must work together to ensure we are providing a safe learning environment for everyone," he said.

Meadows urged parents to address the use of social media with children. He said many of the social media platforms require parental permission and that the district has available a parent presentation conducted last year on social media.

Additional suggestions include:

• Review each social media platform for usage policies. Many of the tools the students are using are age-dependent.
• Make sure all apps downloaded through the phone have parental permission.
• Check your student’s phone for additional social media accounts.
• Have your children unfollow negative social media accounts including the ones mentioned above.