The ASTI called for stronger regulation of social media platforms and enhanced protections for school communities as part of the union’s presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality today (Thursday, March 5th).
In his address to the Committee, ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie stated that while digital tools offer significant educational benefits, algorithm-driven social media platforms can pose serious risks to students and teachers alike.
Recent RedC/ASTI research shows that approximately one in five second-level teachers has experienced work-related cyber-bullying. Such incidents can have a profound impact on teachers’ professional authority and mental health. Teachers’ public-facing roles leave them particularly vulnerable to anonymous harassment, defamation and, in rare cases, image manipulation or threats.
The ASTI stressed that responsibility for harmful online content cannot rest solely with schools and parents and will call for meaningful accountability for social media companies and recommend a mandatory 24-hour removal of abusive content targeting students or educators.
The ASTI presentation to the Oireachtas Committee emphasised a balanced approach combining whole-school supports, effective regulation and investment in digital literacy to ensure that technology enhances the safety and well-being of school communities.
