The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) recently stated they are still using the platform now known as ‘X,” but have had to start restricting replies on their content.

In a statement, Communications Manager of UGDSB, Heather Loney wrote “at this time, the UGDSB is still using X/Twitter to post updates, however we have begun limiting the ability for users to reply to our tweets. The reason for this is there has been a noticeable increase in hate-filled replies on Twitter over the last several months.”

The move follows a statement from Waterloo Region District School Board regarding their use of the app.

"Over the past few months, we’ve seen a concerning shift in the application of policies and community safety features on the Twitter/X platform," the statement reads. "This has led to an increased frequency of posts and comments we know are harmful to members of the WRDSB community."

Loney says the platform gives people a chance to “spread hateful ideologies.” She added she has seen inappropriate replies even on simpler posts like community engagement or classroom work with students. She mentioned she too believes policy shifts on the app have something to do with the troubling trend.

"I'm not an expert on the platform but there is concern with the recent reductions to the platform's trust and safety team that this sort of climate just continues to increase," Loney said.

Loney added the lack of a sense of safety online of late is concerning. She reminds staff they do have several other methods at their disposal for sending out important updates.

"According to our policy, the website and the board-approved tools should be the primary methods of communication," Loney explained.

"Social media is not something that schools have to do. It's something that if they choose to do, we have a policy that governs how that works, but, we're just encouraging people to go to the school website to get those updates," she added.

Loney says she hopes despite the issue at hand, the board continues to update people in a way that is convenient for them.

She suggested parents keep their child's contact information up to date and reminded the public about the board's communications app, UG connect.

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