Social media abuse targeting teachers

Congress notes with grave concern the increasing incidence of social media abuse targeting teachers, including the creation of fake accounts, AI-generated videos, and other forms of online misrepresentation.

Congress recognises that such content is often humiliating, offensive, violent and sometimes sexual in nature, and is having a significant negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of those targeted. These incidents are becoming more frequent and increasingly sophisticated due to advances in generative AI.

Congress calls on ICTU to campaign for:

1.           Acknowledgment of the vulnerability of teaching staff to online misrepresentation, abuse, and bullying; and

2.           protection and support for teachers who are victims of such activity.

Congress further calls on education employing authorities to:

1.           Introduce policies that enable schools to take robust and timely action against individuals who create or distribute such material; and

2.           Ensure proactive education for pupils on the responsible and ethical use of AI and social media.