This article caught my eye today:
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,20411-1799946,00.html
In summary, it cites examples of people who have been suspended or lost their jobs as a result of postings they made on blogsites. It has never been easier for disgruntled employees to vent their spleen online via a blog. I began to consider the implications for schools when, spookily, I came across this article in the TES this week:
In truth, there is very little you can do about this, other than to be aware of it and its implications. Individuals are protected by libel law, but is there a case for including a clause in your school's Acceptable Use Policy to prohibit the posting of personal and defamatory remarks against an individual or the school? At least that way, awareness of the issue might be raised.
Interestingly, the DfES' opinion on weblogging in schools is that its use is no more risky than any other form of web publishing.