by Aimee Cartwright
With students being immersed in the online world, protecting pupils from harm is now a big challenge. Schools must monitor their digital risks as rigorously as any other threat to ensure compliance with the ISI and Ofsted’s safeguarding standards.
Professional Social Media Checks on new recruits offer a proactive solution. Incorporating online background checks into your school’s policies and processes prevents PR crises from occurring and helps build a positive school reputation in an increasingly digital world.
Why Your School’s Digital Reputation Matters
Student wellbeing is the top priority for 65% of parents when it comes to deciding on a secondary school for their children (1).
In the age of social media, student wellbeing is no longer a concept that stays within the four walls of a classroom. Parents are looking for evidence that your school prioritises safety at all times, both online and offline.
Screening all teaching applicants signals to students and parents that your school puts safety at the heart of its processes. What better way to build and maintain a positive reputation as a forward-thinking, safety-conscious institution?
Preventing PR Crises Through Social Media Screening
Digital risks are fast evolving, with threats such as “deepfakes” (artificially generated images or audio) becoming a growing concern. One in 10 secondary school teachers has witnessed deepfakes being used maliciously against students or staff (2).
Education Social Media Checks not only identify unsuitable candidates who willingly post adverse content, but also detect hidden risks, including misleading or manipulated online content.
When these risks are detected as early as possible in the recruitment process, the chances of a PR crisis unfolding are significantly lower. As a result, your school’s digital reputation is protected against adverse material that may not show up during an in-house Social Media Check.
Conclusion
Your school’s reputation extends beyond your gates and into the online world. Stay aware of risks affecting your school by carrying out compliant Social Media Checks on your teaching staff, building a positive school reputation in spite of growing digital threats.
Contact Us
Get in touch with us to learn more about our expert Social Media Checks:
Telephone: +44 333 210 1688
Email: info@sp-index.com
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