NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Machakos County First Lady Lilian Ng’ang’a has sparked debate over children’s privacy online after questioning the growing trend of teachers using students as social media content.
In a statement shared through her Instagram stories on Monday, Ng’ang’a raised concerns about whether parents and schools are fully aware when teachers post videos and photos of students on personal or institutional social media accounts.
“It’s okay to post what you do for work,” Lilian wrote.
“Wondering though… Are parents okay with teachers posting the students as content? Are parents aware? Is the School aware?”
Debate Over Privacy and Consent
Ng’ang’a’s remarks come amid increasing use of social media by teachers and schools to showcase classroom activities, student performances, and daily learning experiences.
While many educators argue that such content promotes school programs and celebrates learners’ achievements, critics have increasingly questioned whether adequate consent procedures are followed before children’s images are shared online.
The issue touches on broader concerns surrounding digital privacy, child protection, and ethical social media use in educational settings.
Under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Article 53 guarantees every child the right to privacy, protection, and dignity. Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019, also places obligations on institutions handling personal data, including photographs and videos involving minors.
Legal and child rights experts have previously cautioned that children’s images shared online without clear parental consent may expose them to privacy risks, cyber exploitation, and unauthorized digital circulation.
Parenting and Family Advocacy
Ng’ang’a has recently become increasingly vocal on matters relating to parenting, family life, and child welfare.
In March this year, she urged parents to pay closer attention to the example they set within their homes, arguing that children learn more from observation than instruction.
“Your child will learn the most from observing your routines, listening to your conversations, and so on. You are your child’s greatest teacher. You got this!” she stated in a message shared on her Instagram page on March 14, 2026.
The author and social advocate said that everyday habits and interactions within families often shape children’s long-term behaviour and values.
Calls for Policy Conversations
Ng’ang’a’s latest remarks have triggered mixed reactions online, with some social media users supporting her concerns while others defended teachers who document classroom activities to engage parents and communities.
Others have called for clearer school policies governing photography, filming, and online sharing involving minors.
The conversation also comes weeks after Ng’ang’a advocated for the extension of maternity leave in Kenya from three months to six months, arguing that new mothers require more time to bond with and care for their children.
Her comments continue to place child welfare and family-centred policies at the centre of public discussion, particularly at a time when digital platforms are increasingly shaping education, parenting, and social interactions in Kenya.
