UPDATED: Framingham Elementary School Asks Parents To Monitor Their Child's Instagram, Social Media Accounts

Originally posted at 9 a.m. Updated with new forum date - March 15

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The principal of one of Framingham's nine elementary schools wants parents to monitor their child's social media accounts including, Instagram.

"It has come to our attention that many upper elementary school students are regularly using the social media website/app, Instagram. While the site, like other social networking sites, including Facebook and Twitter, can provide entertainment, occasionally it can also be used by children to spread rumors and make inappropriate comments and disparaging remarks about other students. This can happen through direct messaging, group chats or posting," wrote Potter Road Principal Paula Del Prete in a letter to fourth and fifth grade parents and posted on the school's Facebook page.

"Because such online activity takes place outside of school hours, generally we cannot take action concerning “conversations” on Instagram unless it affects the children during school or happens during the school day. To this end, we encourage all parents to closely monitor their children's social networking/online activity and be aware of who their children are talking to online to prevent any of the unfortunate situations that can occur during online communication," wrote Del Prete.

Most social media sites have an age restriction of at least 13 years old, including Instagram and Facebook.

To help parents understand social media, the school is hosting a presentation by an expert on March 15 at the school from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Expert Bill Bowman will explain social media and offer tips for parents on how to keep their child safe online.

"He’s spoken to PRS students in the past and this evening promises to be an educational experience as you and your child learn the dos and don’ts of online social networking," wrote Del Prete.