New rules for WhatsApp use at schools in South Africa

• The Department of Basic Education is taking steps to strengthen regulations regarding WhatsApp communication between teachers and students.
• The move aims to clarify professional boundaries and ensure safe communication, particularly in response to several incidents involving inappropriate messages and allegations of sexual harassment.
• The Department of Basic Education is taking a consultative approach with School Governing Body associations to develop new regulations, including proposals to allow parents to join school WhatsApp groups and launch safety workshops across all nine provinces.