Is it Time for Schools to Drop Twitter?

Returning to school after the summer break has prompted me to reflect on recent events. I want to clarify that I am not suggesting teachers stop using Twitter altogether. As adults, we can make our own decisions, and many of us benefit from the support and professional networks available online. However, I believe it may be time for schools and classrooms to reconsider their use of the platform.

Over the past 18 months, I have witnessed instances of Twitter exposing children to the far-right. Last year, a school in Glasgow was targeted by racists. This was a very diverse school, and I remember one child being repeatedly zoomed in on, with their image shared incessantly. Schools and teachers are also continually harassed by homophobes with significant platforms. Fringe groups scour social media for photographs of classrooms displaying a rainbow flag, launching the most appalling and unfounded smears against teachers and schools. This often leads to a pile-on at best, and in the worst cases, it results in doxxing and threats.

I am a Twitter user myself, and will likely continue to be for the time being. However, I would think twice before managing a class account and would certainly hesitate before posting photos of children, even with parental consent. Class accounts were a well-intentioned way of keeping parents informed about their children’s activities in school, and many parents appreciate this. However, the platform has changed beyond recognition since it changed ownership, becoming increasingly similar to platforms like Telegram or Truth Social – both of which I would have always avoided like the plague.

Many of the most toxic and dangerous far-right influencers, such as the alleged traffickers and rapists being investigated in Romania, have been allowed back on Twitter since the Twitter takeover. Racist influencers have also returned to the platform as became painfully apparent with the outbreak of racist riots following the murder of three little girls. Twitter is currently amplifying far-right accounts while attacking the former First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, who is now merely an MSP. While he likely lives comfortably, it is doubtful he has access to the kind of security needed given the enormous target that has been placed on his back as a result of the targeted hate campaign. This situation makes me question whether using Twitter, even as a tool solely for reporting to parents, is a sensible or ethical choice.

Fortunately, there are good alternatives for educators. The platform Blue Sky now boasts a thriving community for educators. Having started an account when invite codes were required, I find the platform enjoyable and reminiscent of Twitter’s earlier days. It offers the same networking opportunities and social connections—without the far-right trolls and porn bots cluttering your notifications.

As we navigate the ever-changing tech scene and complexities of social media, now seems like the time for schools to critically assess their engagement with platforms like Twitter and consider safer, more supportive alternatives for the benefit of our school communities.

The author

Gemma Clark

Gemma Clark is a Scottish primary teacher, active trade union member and writer concerned with many issues including women’s rights and school safety. She has appeared on ITV news to discuss safety mitigations during the Covid 19 pandemic and regularly writes for the Times Educational Supplement. She has a passion for the wellbeing of school staff and children and is a qualified Children and Family Yoga Instructor, and Massage in Schools instructor. Gemma also believes in teacher allyship and supports anti-racist education and the decolonisation of the curriculum. She is an advocate for new the Scottish LGBT inclusion policy and a founding member and admin of a wellbeing group set up to support teachers in Scotland during the pandemic.