My thoughts on why we should, without shadow of a doubt, move online to improve parental and student engagement.

As a millennial I have grown up with the ever-changing social media platforms so, to some degree, I understand the draw towards the light of online communication. Whilst I can’t profess to understand the mindless short videos of TikTok, I do understand that this is the world in which our students spend most of their time.

Of that similar accord, our parents are now finding themselves attracted to the siren call of social media more and more. Whether it be to seek support and solace in online forums or to simply monitor their children’s screen time.

But with these breath-taking advancements in technology, comes a whole host of internet gremlins that many of our parents and students aren’t aware of.

I spend a solid portion of my time, educating both students and parents on how to safely use technology and how to avoid irreparable social damage. The things that are flying into my inbox are becoming increasingly terrifying, as I bare witness to students sharing their personal phone numbers in their bios for all to see or cyber-bullying so vile it turns even my stomach.

It is absurd thought that something that harnesses the power to change the world for the better, also has a dark and dangerous underbelly that is shielded from the light. With all great power comes great responsibility.

This is where we step in…

Most schools are now actively online, modelling best practice when it comes to sharing the positive role of social media. It would be obsolete to pretend that we can actively engage communities without mobilising the power of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others of their likeness.

A few years ago I was asked to deliver a parental engagement session in which I briefly looked at some of the social media platforms that their children were using. Parents were horrified to see that I had been able to locate students’ whereabouts through the SnapChat Map function and that I was able to photoshot an image of myself to the point of it looking like a complete stranger. It was in this moment that I recognised the naive, shadowed approach we, as an education community, take to social media.

Over the last few months I have been charged with the running of the English Department’s social media, broadcasting and informing parents and students of upcoming assignments, key events and exciting new opportunities. As well as showcasing outstanding pieces of students’ work. This in itself is a powerful tool in demonstrating the positive influence the school has on the citizens within our local community.

I am lucky in that my partner is a graphic designer and social media consultant by trade, so I get access to a whole host of free CPD (a teacher’s favourite kind) specifically focused on improving engagement with social media. So for me, posting online is something that comes almost naturally and I am fairly quick at trouble-shooting technical issues (especially in the midst of Lockdown 3.0).

Since Boris’ spontaneous January announcement, I have utilised our social media channels to engage parents and have created ‘how to…’ guides on all things technology. I have spent hours with parents on the phone whilst I direct them in locking down their children’s profiles as well as set up their own.

I have utilised my well-acquired millennial skillset to adapt to this new age and communicate in a way that five years ago seemed a bizarre and frightening prospect. But now, I use our social media channels to share kindness, celebrate joy and provide insight.

But I am all to aware that not everyone is in a fortunate position when it comes to technological knowledge. It is for this reason I think, that in moving with the times, there should be more CPD out there for teachers from ‘the basics of Microsoft Office’ to ‘developing your social media prescence.’

Online line is a not-so-hidden gem that we should be exploring and celebrating. A tool that we should have a secure knowledge of to develop an engaging and safe experience for all.

The National Online Safety organisation has been a great fountain of knowledge for me when it comes to all things online, if you haven’t already signed up I would suggest you do so immediately.