A quiet change is taking place in schools across the nation. Digital platforms are being introduced in educational institutions that are designed to ask students to record their emotions, effectively turning these emotions into data points that can be stored, tracked, and analysed. While these tools are often presented under the guise of "wellbeing support," they raise deep concerns about privacy, consent, and the long-term implications of data storage.

Parents, educators, and students need to be aware of these practices and their inevitable consequences. Emotional intelligence and wellbeing should be cultivated through human relationships and empathetic communication—not reduced to impersonal data entries in digital systems.

One of the glaring issues with these digital platforms is the lack of transparency and clarity on how the data will be used. Who has access to this sensitive information? How securely is emotional data stored and for how long? What measures are in place to ensure this information is never used against the students? Without clear safeguards, there is a risk that this well-intentioned initiative could lead to unintended harm.

Furthermore, this practice risks stigmatising children and oversimplifying complex emotional states into quantifiable points, neglecting the nuances of individual experiences. The focus should always be on empowering students and preserving their dignity.

We call on educational authorities and policymakers to immediately halt the collection of emotional data until comprehensive protective measures and transparent guidelines are established. Schools must be a safe space both physically and emotionally, and that includes respecting the digital privacy of our children.

Join us in urging a reevaluation of this practice, to ensure that emotional wellbeing initiatives truly support our students without compromising their privacy. Sign this petition to demand action and protect the emotional and digital rights of children in our schools.