The dos and don'ts of dreaded school WhatsApp groups: Etiquette expert reveals how many times you can really ask about PE kits and whether it's ever OK to moan about the teachers

Love them or loathe them, school WhatsApp groups have sadly become a virtually unavoidable component in modern-day parenting.Gone are the days of playground gossip and weekly coffees, with parents, grandparents and guardians now receiving an influx of hourly messages regarding birthday parties, PE kits, World Book Day plans and even disgruntled tittle tattle about teachers.Yet according to etiquette expert and former royal butler Julius Smith, several parents are guilty of 'misunderstanding' the basic dos and don'ts of navigating a school group chat.Last week, the Duchess of Sussex's mobile number was shared by parents at the school she and Prince Harry's children had just started.In a further security blow to the couple, screenshots from a WhatsApp group titled 'Year 3' that Meghan joined were said to be circulating online.An alleged screenshot of the chat showed the Duchess introducing herself with a message reading: 'Hi moms! Thanks for the warm welcome [heart emoji]. So happy to be a part of this community xx'The Sussexes refused to comment, but sources close to them said it was disappointing that fellow parents would seek to share such information.Speaking to the Daily Mail, Julius has revealed the ultimate tips and tricks for managing your child's school WhatsApp groups - and the fatal errors that can see you fall out of favour at the school gates... This week, the Duchess of Sussex's mobile number was shared by parents at the school she and Prince Harry's children had just started. Pictured: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their children. Source: Meghan/InstagramDon't...Use your children's namesWhile it may be tempting to share the latest sweet snaps of your children or join in with the tranche of updates, Julius advises against posting any photographs of your youngsters in an online chat. 'Never post photographs of them, and always keep your messages relevant to what the group is actually for,' he said.'It's easy to forget that once something is sent on WhatsApp, it leaves a trace forever, so a moment's discretion before hitting send goes a long way.'Make personal digsAfter a long day at work, many parents may look to a WhatsApp group as a place to divulge their frustrations or feelings of disdain.But instead, Julius recommends speaking to close friends or family about your feelings of angst, rather than using the group chat as a public forum. 'Don't use the chat to score points, complain about individuals, or air grievances about a teacher, parent or pupil,' he advises. Share information with others'There is one golden rule, much like discretion in private service: what is seen and heard in the group should stay in the group,' Julius said.He added that parents should always remain respectful of the information shared amongst others, and avoid discussing private matters offline.'One can only sympathise with the Duchess of Sussex, whose phone number was reportedly shared with people outside her circle after being passed around a WhatsApp group,' he added.Do... According to etiquette expert and former royal butler Julius Smith, several parents are guilty of 'misunderstanding' the basic do's and dont's of navigating a school group chatGo straight to the sourceJulius explains that rather than spending an unnecessary amount of time sending questions into the WhatsApp group chat, instead, your child is often the one with the answer. 'Do go straight to the source. If your child needs something, or you have a query about them specifically, it is usually quicker and kinder to ask your child or the teacher directly rather than putting it to the whole group,' he said.'A school group exists to pass on what parents actually need to know, and what is genuinely useful to the group as a whole,' he said. 'Not every parent needs to hear that your child has forgotten his PE kit, and in any case, it might be simpler just to ask your child rather than the entire group. Keep messages relevant to the group's purposeBefore typing, Julius advises considering how relevant the message truly is to the large number of parents in the group - and whether you have actually already asked this question on a previous occasion. 'If it's a class chat about the school fair, save the unrelated chat for another time,' he said.'One teacher recently told me how a WhatsApp group went into overdrive after he announced his resignation to move to another school. 'When I asked what he made of it, he said he was baffled that parents didn't have better things to do with their time. Frankly, he had a point.'Instead, Julius advises creating a separate chat for other parents you share a close relationship with, and sending any off-topic questions and conversations there. Remember your mannersLike any other group chat, being courteous of fellow members is key, according to Julius.From concerns about finances to the day-to-day running of school pickup, you never know when you may need the help of fellow parents. 'Ultimately, the school WhatsApp group is a wonderful convenience when it's used well: quick, efficient, and a genuine help to busy parents,' he said.'So as we all settle into the new term, let's remember our manners, stay discreet with what we share, and keep things courteous. 'A little consideration goes a long way in a group chat that half the school can see.'