Mount Pupils lead thoughtful discussion on Social Media Platform ‘X’
Earlier this term, pupils in Senior School, engaged in a unique and thought-provoking whole school discussion regarding the school’s use of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The event, conducted in traditional Quaker style, emphasised the importance of allowing everyone to have the opportunity to speak and be heard. This is a significant part of our school’s culture, allowing pupil voices to be heard and letting them know their opinion will shape school decisions.
The gathering, attended by girls from Year 7 to College, was overseen by the school’s College Leadership Team (CLT). Following a welcome period of silent reflection, Berlin (CLT) explained how Quakers in Britain are joining other Quaker bodies across the world in disengaging from the social media platform X. She then raised the question: ‘Should The Mount School continue to use X?’
The floor was then opened to contributions. With no right or wrong answers, pupils were encouraged to share their perspectives openly and respectfully. A wide range of opinions emerged.
Pupils voicing concerns about X highlighted its perceived incompatibility with school values. Arguments included X’s association with toxicity and concern that the platform doesn’t encourage inclusivity, like The Mount. A Year 7 pupil explained how the owner of X has displayed ‘problematic behaviour’. One Year 11 pupil stated, ‘X doesn’t stand with our school morals, leaving X would gain our school respect.’
Other pupils offered counterpoints, suggesting that withdrawing from X wouldn’t necessarily address the platform’s underlying issues. Some emphasised the potential for positive change on X and promoting our values, while others questioned whether abandoning one platform would necessitate leaving all others. ‘We should use X to promote our Quaker values and spread our good news,’ one girl remarked.
The discussion also delved into the political dimensions of the issue. Concerns were heard about the platform’s ownership and the owner’s political affiliations, arguing that these conflicted with the school’s commitment to women’s rights and its Quaker values. ‘We are a girls’ school, we should be supporting women’s rights and standing against misogyny,’ thoughtfully remarked a Year 10 pupil.
Caterina and Lilia (CLT) summarised key points, encouraging further contributions. Pupils voiced the positive reasons behind using X – promoting the school to parents, and stated therefore parents should also get a say. One Year 8 pupil voiced concern following the platform’s evolving policies on fact-checking and content moderation. The use of alternative platforms was also suggested.
Several innovative alternatives emerged, including the creation of a dedicated app for pupils, parents, and teachers, and the publication of a final message on X explaining the school’s decision to leave the platform. The discussion concluded with a final period of silence.
The CLT then compiled their findings, providing them to the school’s Executive Team for discussion. 
The discussion truly highlighted the incredible power of pupil voice and the remarkable ability of Mount pupils to eloquently tackle complex ethical and political issues.
Head, Anna Wilby, shared her enthusiasm, saying, ‘It was inspiring to see so many 11- to 18-year-olds confidently sharing their opinions, both for and against, and engaging in such thoughtful discussion. Very few places can organise a debate involving all of the senior school. The Mount is somewhere where each individual’s voice can be heard and valued equally, and I will be working very hard to ensure that this is always evident and clear. The Executive Team certainly has a lot to consider thanks to their insightful contributions.’
The entire school community is now eagerly anticipating the Executive Team’s decision, which will be thoughtfully informed by the passionate and well-reasoned arguments presented by our pupils. Well done to all involved.
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