Hello,

This week, we’re kicking off AFT’s 2022 Back-to-School tour, bringing focus to our What Kids Need campaign. At a time when extremist politicians are trying to divide our communities and politicize public education by banning books, censoring curriculum and demonizing teachers, we’re focused on solutions, and getting educators and school staff the time, tools and resources they need to help kids learn and succeed.

Kids need safe and welcoming environments to thrive, and one thing I’ve been hearing from parents and educators alike is that there’s a desperate need to help keep children safe online.

That’s why the AFT is partnering with ParentsTogether to ask Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, to take the necessary measures to reduce the harm of school-based bullying accounts. Will you join us by adding your name to our joint petition?

Thousands of students, teachers and school support staff heading back to school this year have a threat over their heads—Instagram “confessions” or “secrets” accounts that exist to bully and spread rumors about kids and teachers.

Educators and school staff across the country have told us that when they report these accounts, they are either ignored or informed the accounts don’t violate Instagram’s terms of service. Instagram’s decision to allow these bullying accounts to flourish puts students and teachers at risk of depression and suicide and is unacceptable.

Join us in calling on Instagram to enforce its community guidelines by taking down all accounts that solely or primarily feature bullying content and prioritizing reports of harassment and bullying made from verified school accounts. We’re also asking Instagram to meet with a group of teachers and parents to better understand these accounts and the harm they cause in school communities.

Add your name to the petition now.

This back-to-school season, we’re working harder than ever to find solutions, and create safe and welcoming schools where parents want to send their kids, educators want to work, and students can truly succeed—both inside and outside the classroom.

Thank you for joining us.

In unity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President