Group chats are a normal part of many children’s social lives. They can be fun, practical and a way to stay connected outside school.
They can also be where unkind comments, peer pressure or misunderstandings happen quickly.
In our work in primary and secondary schools, we know there are many challenges around pupil conduct in Group Chats.
To support schools in this area, we’ve created a simple classroom poster that can start a conversation about how we treat each other in Group Chats and gives pupils four practical steps they can take: Stop. Block. Screenshot. Exit.
Download the Stop, Block, Screenshot, Exit Poster here.
Below, we explain why each step matters and how schools can use this resource as part of a wider approach to digital resilience.
Why do group chats escalate so quickly?
Group chats are designed for speed. Messages appear instantly. Reactions are visible to everyone. Screenshots can be shared in seconds.
Because of this design:
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Pupils can feel pressure to respond immediately
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Silence can feel uncomfortable
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Joining in can feel easier than challenging behaviour
Often, the issue is not that children intend to be unkind. It is that digital spaces amplify impulsive behaviour.
That is why we focus on giving pupils clear, manageable choices.
1. Stop: Why is not replying sometimes the best choice?
Our poster encourages pupils to pause.
If unkind messages are being sent about someone else, the safest choice may be not to reply or join in. Responding in the moment can sometimes escalate the situation or create further conflict.
Pausing gives pupils time to:
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Think more clearly
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Decide what a better choice might be
This aligns with Education for a Connected World, particularly around managing online relationships and recognising the impact of online behaviour.
2. Block: When should pupils use it?
If a pupil is receiving unkind or unwanted messages directly, blocking can be a helpful protective step.
Blocking stops that person from sending further messages. It gives pupils space and reduces immediate harm.
In workshops, we explain that blocking is not about being dramatic. It is about using the safety tools built into platforms.
Staff can support this by ensuring pupils understand:
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How to block on commonly used apps
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That blocking is allowed and appropriate when needed
3. Screenshot: Why is this important?
One of the most powerful safeguarding steps a pupil can take is capturing evidence.
Taking a screenshot of unkind messages allows pupils to:
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Show exactly what happened
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Share concerns accurately with a trusted adult
This supports effective reporting procedures in line with KCSIE expectations, where schools must be able to respond to concerns promptly and proportionately.
We emphasise that screenshots are for sharing with trusted adults, not for reposting or escalating conflict.
4. Exit: Is it okay to leave a group chat?
Yes.
If a group chat becomes uncomfortable, inappropriate or unkind, pupils have the right to leave.
Leaving is not weakness. It is a boundary.
In many sessions, pupils tell us they stay in chats because they worry about what others will think. Teaching that it’s ok to exit a group chat supports digital resilience.
How can schools use this poster effectively?
This resource works best when it is part of a wider conversation.
You might use it:
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During Safer Internet Day
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As part of PSHE or RSE lessons
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In tutor time discussions
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Displayed in classrooms or corridors
We recommend pairing the poster with discussion questions such as:
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Why might someone feel pressure to reply?
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When would blocking be the right choice?
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Who are your trusted adults in school?
This moves the resource from being a display item to being a teaching tool.
If you would like to explore how our internet safety workshops can support your pupils, staff or parents, we would be pleased to help. Get in touch via email at info@openvieweducation.co.uk or give us a call on 0207 459 4473.
