The Harlandale Independent School District in Texas is currently investigating a situation involving one of its teachers who may have taken things a bit too far with her Pinterest activities. A concerned parent, preparing for their child to start elementary school, conducted a bit of online sleuthing and was dismayed to discover the teacher sharing sarcastic e-cards that could be seen as unprofessional. Now, that parent is calling for disciplinary action while the school looks into the matter.
This raises an important question: Should educators be allowed to express their frustrations related to their jobs in a humorous online manner? Until a clear answer emerges, my advice for teachers is to keep their social media profiles private or use pseudonyms. I’ve known educators who choose not to use their real names on platforms like Facebook to avoid complications.
Parents should also exercise caution with their social media activity. We all cherish sharing photos of our children with our friends and family, but it can be tricky to navigate what’s appropriate to post. While my Facebook is private, it’s still possible for a friend to innocently share a cute snapshot of my children with someone else, and suddenly, it’s out there for everyone to see. Imagine the embarrassment when our kids grow up and find out there are cringeworthy images of them circulating online.
Most of us worry about our images being exploited for malicious reasons, but now there’s also the risk of others profiting from them. Take, for example, “artist” Richard Prince, who showcased a collection called “New Portraits” at the Frieze New York art fair. This collection, primarily featuring enlarged screenshots of women from Instagram, sold quickly for up to $90,000 each—without compensating the original posters at all. The original creators received no recognition or payment, simply because their accounts were public.
Instagram’s policies highlight the lack of protection for users; if someone copies your content for a personal account, there’s recourse, but if it’s used commercially or outside of the platform, you’re on your own. Meanwhile, Prince is cashing in on the work of others without a second thought.
It’s clear that true privacy on the internet is a myth, even when we believe we’ve set boundaries. So, aside from following the “When in doubt, leave it out” rule, it’s prudent to secure your social media accounts as well as your children’s. Preserving a degree of privacy can be more valuable than the fleeting potential of internet fame, which might not be the kind you want.
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Summary:
Keeping your social media accounts private is essential for safeguarding both your personal information and your children’s images from potential misuse. With stories of individuals profiting off of public posts, it’s wise to think carefully about what you share online. Protecting your privacy can prevent future embarrassment and ensure your family’s moments remain intimate.