Teachers Threatened with Fines for Lists of Absentees in Chats: What the Law Says.

According to ТСН: Publishing information about students who have missed classes in parents' chat groups on messaging apps constitutes a violation of Ukrainian legislation and may lead to administrative or criminal liability for educators, specialists report.

Education rights expert Marianna Honcharenko emphasizes that disclosing children's personal data, including reasons for their absence such as illness or family circumstances, contradicts the Law of Ukraine on Personal Data Protection.

“No arguments about convenience or the necessity of informing the staff can serve as justification. This is not just a work-related issue, but a violation that carries real legal consequences for the teacher and the school administration,” Honcharenko noted.

Main Risks for Educators When Violating Confidentiality

• Administrative Fines: for non-compliance with personal information processing rules.

• Criminal Liability: particularly severe penalties for disclosing medical diagnoses or a child's health status.

• Reputational Damage: using unofficial communication channels may discredit the educational institution.

How to Properly Organize Communication with Parents

• Private Messages: discussions about a child's absence should only be held at a personal level with parents.

• Official Channels: use electronic journals or the school's corporate email.

• Reporting to Management: attendance statistics should only be passed on to the institution's administration, not to third parties.

Honcharenko noted that a parents' chat is not an official channel for disseminating personal data. Adhering to digital hygiene and legislative norms is the duty of every modern educator.

It is reminded that starting from the 2026 academic year, students in grades 1-11 will receive free meals. This initiative is designed to support families and provide students with proper conditions for learning.