Social media has become integral to communication and information-sharing in education. Scottish schools, certainly, have increasingly adopted online platforms to enhance educational experiences and build community.
However, targeted abuse, harassment, racism and misogyny on social media have become commonplace, often through anonymous accounts that spread dangerous views. This results in vulnerable groups feeling unsafe.
My own experience of rampant racism as a teacher of colour reached a wholly unsatisfactory end when no action was taken against the many online trolls that targeted abuse towards me and my colleagues for raising awareness about having a more ethnically diverse education workforce in Scotland. Around the same time, a Glasgow primary school suffered horrendous racist abuse towards its pupils after a visit by Nicola Sturgeon, who was first minister at the time.
However, many schools and individuals have continued to try to make use of social media, despite what seems like a growing list of negatives.
With the emergence of a new kid on the block - Bluesky - and much dissatisfaction around changes to Twitter (or X as it is now called), should schools think about migrating their profiles as a way of continuing to get the benefits of social media?
First, we need to be clear of the advantages and disadvantages for schools, generally, of having an online presence, particularly around safeguarding.
Schools using social media: the positives
Here, then, are some of the advantages (and, further down, some downsides) of using social media in schools:
Enhanced communication and engagement
Social media allows schools to disseminate information swiftly and efficiently; announcements about events, policy and achievements can reach parents and students in real time. The Scottish government and Education Scotland use social media to share updates with schools, colleges and local authorities.
Showcasing achievements and activities
Schools can highlight student accomplishments, extracurricular activities and innovative projects through social media. This transparency fosters a sense of pride and community involvement.
Networking and professional development
Educators can connect with colleagues, share resources and engage in professional development. This enables collaborative learning and the exchange of best practice. These networks grew rapidly during Covid lockdowns and have been going strong ever since. Education Scotland supports such initiatives by providing guidance and resources to enhance digital literacy among educators.
Parental involvement
Social media serves as a bridge between schools and parents, keeping families informed and involved in their children’s education. While most learners are still not permitted to take their phones on residential trips, for many parents and carers having access to photos and regular updates about their wee cherub abseiling off a mountain has become a must. Regular updates and interactive content can enhance parental engagement and support student learning.
The negatives
There are also, however, challenges and safeguarding concerns when schools use social media. Here are some key considerations:
Privacy and data protection
The use of social media raises concerns about the privacy of students and staff. Sharing images or information without proper consent can lead to data breaches and potential misuse. Schools must adhere to data protection regulations and establish clear policies regarding content sharing. The NSPCC charity advises that schools have robust online safety policies; the Scottish government also has guidance on this.
Cyberbullying and online harassment
As shown above, the public accessibility of social media can expose students to cyberbullying and online harassment. Schools must implement strategies to monitor and address such issues promptly.
Professional boundaries
Educators must maintain professional boundaries when interacting with students on social media. Inappropriate communication can lead to ethical concerns and potential safeguarding issues.
As schools consider diversifying their social media presence, platforms such as Bluesky offer new opportunities. It aims to provide users with greater control over their data and content, which could address privacy concerns associated with other platforms. One key benefit is around the control the user has to create their own feeds, free of ads and bots...for now.
However, transitioning to new platforms requires careful consideration around:
- User familiarity: people may be more accustomed to established platforms and adopting new platforms necessitates training and adaptation.
- Content moderation: decentralised platforms may have different content-moderation policies, with a potential impact on the school’s ability to control content.
- Safeguarding: schools must ensure that any new platform complies with existing policies and data-protection regulations.
The integration of social media into schools is a double-edged sword. While it offers avenues for enhanced communication, engagement and professional development, it also introduces challenges around privacy, cyberbullying and safeguarding. A balanced approach, underpinned by robust policies, education and continuous monitoring, is essential to harness the benefits of social media while mitigating risks.
By fostering responsible use and staying abreast of technological developments, however, schools can navigate the complexities of the digital landscape - and enrich the educational experience.
Nuzhat Uthmani is a lecturer in primary education at the University of Stirling and founder of Global Citizenship Education in Scotland. She tweets @NUthmani and is also on Bluesky @nuthmani.bsky.social
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