STUDENTS at St Helens College have been banned from using social networking website Facebook amid concerns it is distracting some from work.
The Star has learned students were informed last week that they would no longer have access to the popular website, apart from the college’s own Facebook page.
College chiefs have said the ban is a “short term” move, with concerns believed to centre on the site proving to be a distraction to students who have are completing coursework and preparing for end of term exams.
St Helens College principal Pat Bacon said: “In response to feedback from staff and students regarding the use of social site networks, the College Management Team has agreed that, as a supportive measure and to avoid distraction to students at this crucial time, the use of personal Facebook via College networks by students will be suspended in the short term.”
The college firmly rebutted any suggestions the ban is linked to last month’s suspension of music lecturer Tom McGrath, who was found dead last week. He was under police investigation over internet sex allegations.
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