SIS: Warns against Sharing Photos Displaying the Process of Online Classes

The State Inspector’s Service has warned the parents and the representatives of educational institutions to keep from sharing photos depicting the process of online learning on social media, especially those in which minors are visible.

“Many have started sharing photo and video material of online classes on social media. When sharing this content, it should be considered that the photo/video material includes the information of the individuals who are shown there,” reads the statement.

The State Inspector’s Service believes it can be risky to share visual material, especially of minors, as they might become subject to cyberbullying.

“Sharing the visual data of minors on the internet may result in undesired influence on minors (they might become the victims of cyberbullying or the receivers of other undesired treatment),” says the Inspector’s Service. “As such, educational institutions and their employees, as well as the parents of the minors and their family members, should treat sharing the content more responsibly and act according to the best interests of the minors. To organize remote meetings, you can use modern collaborative communication systems (like Webex, Zoom, Teams, etc.),” reads the statement published on the Facebook page of the State Inspector’s Service.

Kindergartens, schools, and colleges were closed on March 4 following Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s orders. On Monday, many educational institutions switched to temporary online classes. More colleges and organizations are likely to join the learning process on internet platforms following the Georgian President's official declaration of a national emergency over coronavirus at a special briefing today.


By Nini Dakhundaridze