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Instagram partners with schools to prioritize reports of online bullying andstudent safety
Instagram has launched a new partnership program with U.S. middle and high schools to prioritize reports on bullying and student safety. Schools can report potential violations directly to Instagram, expediting the review process, while also receiving educational resources. This initiative follows legislative efforts like the Kids Off Social Media Act aiming to protect children online.
Key points
- Instagram announced a school partnership program to expedite moderation of bullying reports.
- The program is available to all U.S. middle and high schools and prioritizes reports from verified school accounts.
- Participating schools will display a 'school partner' banner on their profiles.
- Instagram will provide educational resources for safe app usage to educators, parents, and students.
- The initiative follows successful trials with 60 schools and collaborations with ISTE and ASCD.
- This program coincides with the advancement of the Kids Off Social Media Act, aiming to restrict social media access for children under 13.
Why it matters
- The partnership aligns with growing concerns over online safety for minors in light of increasing bullying reports on social media.
- The Kids Off Social Media Act and related legislation reflect a broader trend toward stricter regulation of children's online access.
- Instagram's emphasis on safety continues the trend of tech companies enhancing parental controls and teen safety features in response to societal pressures and legislative moves.
This new initiative by Instagram marks a significant step towards enhancing online safety for students and demonstrates the platform's commitment to addressing growing concerns around bullying, in line with evolving legal standards.