Instagram partners with schools for safer social media use

The integration of social media in schools is a double-edged sword. While it provides an efficient way to keep families informed, it can also be a source of distraction and inappropriate content. Confession accounts, fight accounts, and impersonation accounts are particularly concerning as they spread rumors, encourage violence, and mislead communities.

A parent shared a personal account of their son being targeted by a confession account. Despite reporting the incident to the social media platform and the school principal doing the same, no action was taken. This highlights the limited control school leaders have over harmful online content.

In response to these challenges, ISTE+ASCD has initiated efforts to create healthier digital environments in schools. "As the CEO of ISTE+ASCD," one official stated, "my team and I spend our days helping schools create amazing learning experiences for every student." They contacted various schools to understand if similar issues were prevalent elsewhere. The feedback was clear: while social media connects communities, inappropriate content remains disruptive.

In collaboration with Meta (the company behind Instagram), ISTE+ASCD designed a pilot program that allowed school leaders more control over social media content related to their institutions. Over six months, participating schools tested a version of Instagram that prioritized reports from school officials about inappropriate or disruptive posts.

This initiative showed promising results. Schools reported reduced harmful content and improved digital culture. Justin Ponzio, principal at Buchser Middle School said: “Partnering with Instagram has been incredibly helpful in keeping our students and community safer online.”

Encouraged by these outcomes, Instagram is expanding this program nationwide to all middle and high schools starting this month. Verified schools will have additional tools for managing their online presence effectively.

The expansion of this program is seen as an important step forward but not a complete solution. The need for other platforms like Snapchat and TikTok to adopt similar measures remains critical in ensuring student safety across all digital spaces.

For further details on joining the Instagram School Partnership Program or accessing digital citizenship lessons provided by ISTE+ASCD, interested parties are directed to specific online resources mentioned at the end of the release.