Students could face disciplinary action if they organize 'TikTok-inspired' protests

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Students who participate in "unacceptable" protests at schools - allegedly inspired by videos shared on TikTok - are subject to disciplinary action, a head teachers union warned.

Students posted 'abusive' staff materials online and displayed 'disorderly behaviour' during school protests, secretary Geoff Barton said General of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).

The union has received "a number of reports" of student protests that have taken place in schools across the country during the last week and a half - and he said the majority had to do with rules about school uniforms or the use of restrooms.< /p>

"It seems to have spread through students posting material on TikTok, which led to protests copying to other schools,” Mr Barton said.

The Department for Education (DfE) has been made aware of the protests and ASCL said it would contact TikTok directly about the trend.

Material posted online is sometimes abusive of named staff members and involves disorderly student behavior which is clearly unacceptable

Geoff Barton, Association of School and College Leaders

Mr. Barton said: "Organizing school protests is extremely disruptive and the last thing schools need when they are already under enormous pressure of time and resources.

< p >"Students should raise any concerns they may have through normal and established channels such as student representative bodies or by speaking to their teacher.

"They should not participate in protests and they should be aware that doing so is very likely to result in disciplinary action."

He added: "Material posted online is sometimes abusive of named and involves disorderly student behavior which is clearly unacceptable.

“We have directed our members to a helpline run by the UK Safer Internet Center which flags posts with TikTok.

"We will also pa rler directly to TikTok and we have informed the Ministry of Education of the situation."

We will always support the leaders to take the necessary steps to maintain calm and supportive classroom environments as they are best placed to work with their teachers, parents, students and local com. ..