Kerala teachers instructed not to 'indulge' in making reels

IANS May 21, 2025 458 views

The Kerala Education Department has issued a strict directive preventing teachers from creating irrelevant social media reels during professional training camps. This move aims to maintain the focus on educational development and professional growth among educators. The circular mandates that any visual content from training sessions must receive prior approval from higher authorities. With approximately 5 lakh teachers across the state, this policy represents a significant step in managing professional conduct in digital spaces.

"Trouble broke out when social media was filled with reels posted by teachers" - Anonymous Government School Teacher
Thiruvananthapuram, May 21: The Kerala Education Department has issued a new order asking teachers not to "indulge in making reels" and instead concentrate on developing knowledge, which will benefit the overall development of children.

Key Points

1

Kerala restricts teachers from posting unrelated social media content

2

Training camp videos now require official clearance

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Department focuses on academic skill enhancement

4

Social media usage monitored in educational settings

Over the years, the Education Department conducts camps, during the summer vacations, for their teachers to ensure that they brush up on the latest developments in various subjects so this can be passed on to their students when the fresh academic year begins in June.

A government school teacher, on condition of anonymity, told IANS that the weeklong camp for teachers is presently on.

"Trouble broke out when the social media was filled with reels posted by the teachers on what was happening in the camps. There are a few activities that are scheduled, but what was put out on social media contained other things. This invited a wrath from one section of teachers, who found that what was posted had nothing to do with improving the academic capabilities of students," the teacher said.

"When this issue was taken up, the authorities decided to come out with a circular asking teachers to concentrate on issues that will benefit the children and nothing else," the teacher added.

Consequent to the order, teachers have been banned from posting reels from these camps on topics which have nothing to do with teaching.

It has also been directed that if pictures or videos have to be posted, then permission should be taken from higher authorities, and only those that are cleared by them can be posted online.

In Kerala, there are five lakh teachers teaching in state-run schools under three sections - primary, high schools and Plus 2 classes.

Across the state, there are around 12,000 schools, which include around 4,500 in the government sector, while over 7,000 are in the government-aided sector.

Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments for the Kerala teachers' reels article:
R
Rajesh K.
Good decision by the Kerala government! Teachers should focus on academics rather than making TikTok-style videos. Our education system needs serious improvement, not entertainment. 👏
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Priya M.
While I agree teachers should focus on academics, banning reels completely seems extreme. Creative teachers using social media can actually engage students better. Maybe guidelines instead of bans?
S
Sunil T.
Typical bureaucratic response! Instead of addressing real issues like teacher shortages or outdated curriculum, they're worried about reels. Kerala's education system was once the best in India - what happened?
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Ananya R.
As a parent, I appreciate this move. My child's teacher spends half her time making Instagram reels instead of preparing lessons. Education should be the priority, not social media fame.
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Vijay P.
This shows how social media is affecting all professions. Teachers are role models - if they're busy making reels during training camps, what message does it send to students? Good call by the department.

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