“We consider this information to be entirely inaccurate and condemn the spread of misinformation in the strongest terms.”
The Education Authority has issued a statement following recent social media claims that primary schools in Northern Ireland have asked pupils to ‘send heart cards’ to hotels where asylum seekers are being housed.
A list of NI schools was published online, with commentary claiming pupils had been asked to send the letters to hotels housing asylum seekers.
In response to the claims, a spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) told Belfast Live: “EA is aware that a number of schools in receipt of the Schools of Sanctuary Award have been subjected to a targeted social media campaign.
“We consider this information to be entirely inaccurate and condemn the spread of misinformation in the strongest terms.”
Responding to the claims, Taughmonagh Primary School and Nursery Unit, one of the schools named on the list, released a statement.
They said: ““Taughmonagh Primary School and Nursery Unit is aware of a social media post causing concern to some parents. The information circulating in relation to our school is factually incorrect. This has been raised with the PSNI, and the Education Authority have been notified.
“We would ask for our school community’s support in stopping the spread of misinformation online. We have very stringent safeguarding processes, and this allegation on the Facebook Group is contrary to our policies.”
DUP party group leader Sarah Bunting also expressed her concern of the misinformation.
She said: “Really disappointed to see posts circulating online regarding schools in Northern Ireland, including Taughmonagh Primary School, accusing these schools of some very disturbing misinformation.
“The spreading of these online rumours, made up and posted by faceless, nameless strangers on the internet, can be extremely dangerous and damaging to the reputation of schools, businesses etc.
“Those who initiate these types of rumours are playing on the genuinely held concerns of people and stirring up trouble, which is to the benefit of nobody and will only lead to those who already minimise those legitimate concerns using posts like that as ammunition against those arguments.
“If you see posts like this, please think carefully before sharing, and if you really cannot make up your mind as to whether it is true or not, reach out and ask the school or members of the board of governors, before blindly believing a rumour on the internet.”
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