TikTok trend 'Rate My Teacher' abusing teachers across the North East
Pupils have set up fake accounts and posted videos to humiliate teachers
Last updated 18th Nov 2021
Teachers in the North East have been pushed to breaking point by abuse on TikTok. according to Education unions.
It's all because of a new TikTok trend 'Rate my Teacher' - where pupils set up fake accounts and post videos to humiliate and abuse teachers.
School children would record their teachers and would anonymously spread hate towards their them. They were also using resources created over lockdown and filming zoom lessons during the pandemic.
The National Education Union and others have received lots of reports of it happening and as a result, letters have been sent out at some schools in the area. Warning children that they will face exclusion and action from the police if they are caught doing it.
Headteacher for Framwellgate School Durham, Andy Byers, said: 'I know the problem lies with the social media companies & their appalling attitude to protecting users, but I’m asking our parents to support us & take responsibility too.'
Beth Farhat from the National Education Union said:
"A number of our members have told us that the distressed caused by the offensive and defamatory material targeted members of school staff. Material making highly insulting and unfounded allegations against our members, and homophobic abuse also within there.
"This is a very serious matter that schools will take immediate action on, including reporting to the police, but also reinforcing and telling students the impact that this has on staff morale within the school. It's absolutely unacceptable for any sort of bullying to take place in schools, whether that's against teachers or students.
"The NEU of course are going to fight on behalf of our members for Tik Tok, alongside with other social media companies, to step up and demonstrate social responsibility and leadership in this particular situation.
"We're sure that parents won't accept such behaviour from children who participate in online bullying of teachers or school staff. Head Teachers I think will be working within school and with police to make sure that this doesn't continue."