Technology and Accountability—Are Schools Keeping Pace? by Saffie Nyassi
Schools are not yet fully prepared for TFGBV.
While some schools have rules about online safety, they often react only after harm has already happened. Training for teachers and real enforcement of policies usually fall behind how quickly technology and digital threats change. In short, most schools are playing catch-up instead of leading on digital safety.
Strong partnerships are the best way to prevent digital harm.
Headteachers should team up with parents, students, and community groups through workshops, open talks, and student-led programs. Working together helps everyone share responsibility and creates safer spaces both online and at school. Put simply, protecting students online takes a team effort—not just school rules.
Schools should step in when online behavior affects school life.
Even if bullying or abuse happens outside school hours, it often follows students into the classroom and hurts their well-being. Schools can’t control everything students do online, but they can offer guidance, set clear expectations, and act when off-campus behavior causes on-campus harm. The bottom line: if it affects students in school, it’s the school’s concern, too.
In conclusion, school must evolve alongside technology. Addressing TFGBV requires shared accountability, strong leadership, and a commitment to safeguarding students both offline and online