Schools using 'slang dictionary' to keep tabs on pupils - Telegraph
Hundreds of schools are monitoring pupils’ online communications using new computer software that identifies and translates offensive urban slang, it emerged today.
The programme scans children’s messages for any words or acronyms deemed inappropriate and then sends a report to teachers, it was revealed.
Teachers are also able to consult the dictionary to check for the meaning of any phrases overheard in corridors – enabling schools to keep up to date with changes in language.
The system – used by almost 1,400 secondary schools in the UK – comes amid fears that bullying, racism, homophobia, self-harm and sexually explicit messages may be going unnoticed because of confusion over pupils’ vocabulary.
The programme scans children’s messages for any words or acronyms deemed inappropriate and then sends a report to teachers, it was revealed.
Teachers are also able to consult the dictionary to check for the meaning of any phrases overheard in corridors – enabling schools to keep up to date with changes in language.
The system – used by almost 1,400 secondary schools in the UK – comes amid fears that bullying, racism, homophobia, self-harm and sexually explicit messages may be going unnoticed because of confusion over pupils’ vocabulary.
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