March 2007

TEXT MESSAGING

IS IT OK TO SEND MESSAGES TO PUPILS?

With the growing use of EnsembleXP.Net’s text messaging facilities, questions have been raised on the subject of sending messages directly to pupils. According to O2, the fastest-growing new group of mobile phones users are pupils between the ages of 9 and 11.

A recent report by the Institute for Policy Research in October states that 49% of 8 to 11-year-olds have mobile phones. The figure for 12 to 18-year-olds is even higher, at 82%. Across both age groups, each of these youngsters is sending an average of 25 text messages per week.

It therefore seems sensible to assume that text messaging is perhaps the best way to reach secondary school pupils. However, some Music Services are worried that there may be child protection or data protection issues involved.

We contacted the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), which is the UK’s independent authority promoting access to official information and to protect personal information. They say that sending text messages to pupils is fine, as long as there is no marketing involved.

If Music Services do want to advertise using text messages, then the ICO states that individuals must not be contacted without prior consent. In this case, ‘marketing’ includes reminders to attend performances or buy/order tickets.

We also asked the DfES for their opinion on this subject, and they did not raise any issues. In summary, it appears that there are no problems with sending text messages to pupils. Music Services need not worry about this any longer.

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