Etiquette expert Julius Smith says school WhatsApp groups should be used only for relevant, useful information, rather than personal updates, complaints or gossip. His advice follows reports that Meghan’s mobile number was allegedly shared after parents circulated screenshots from a school group, highlighting the privacy risks of careless messaging.

Smith recommends avoiding photographs of children, asking children or teachers directly about individual issues, and not repeatedly querying the whole group about matters such as forgotten PE kits. Parents should not criticise teachers, parents or pupils publicly, should keep messages respectful and remember that anything shared online can leave a lasting trace.