Overview

• WhatsApp has replaced traditional newsletters as the main communication platform for schools, offering convenience for busy parents but raising concerns about misuse.
• Schools like Cranbrook have faced significant challenges due to unverified rumors spreading in parent WhatsApp groups, impacting student wellbeing and community trust.
• Educators and psychologists are advocating for state-mandated guidelines to manage online parent discussions and curb harmful behaviors, including misinformation and defamation.
• Some school officials describe WhatsApp groups as echo chambers that amplify gossip and hostility, often targeting teachers and students unfairly.
• Despite the issues, WhatsApp remains a vital connection point for parents who cannot be physically present at school, highlighting the tension between engagement and regulation.