Aizawl, 1 November 1, 2026 (Zoram News): The Directorate of School Education, Mizoram, has issued new guidelines regulating the use of social media by schools, teachers and students, emphasising student privacy, responsible online behaviour and the protection of children's dignity.
The circular, dated October 26, 2026, directs all schools across the state to implement measures to prevent the misuse of social media and ensure that photographs, videos and other personal information of students are handled responsibly.
The Directorate has also instructed schools to exercise caution when filming students in classrooms and other parts of school premises. Recording should generally be avoided except during school functions, co-curricular or extracurricular activities, or legitimate learning activities. Particular care must be taken to prevent situations that could cause embarrassment, humiliation or distress to students.
Parental consent required for children's personal data
The circular highlights the importance of obtaining verifiable consent from parents or lawful guardians before processing the personal data of children below 18 years of age, including identifiable photographs and videos, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025.
Schools have been directed to protect students' privacy, dignity and personal information and ensure that photographs, videos and other personal data are not collected, used or disseminated without proper authorisation and compliance with applicable laws.
The Directorate has also warned that certain forms of misuse may attract legal action under applicable provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, including provisions relating to the disclosure of a child's identity in cases covered by the law.
Restrictions on posting students' photographs and videos
Under the new guidelines, teaching and non-teaching staff have been advised to refrain from repeatedly posting photographs or videos that focus on individual students on social media platforms. Such posts should be limited to appropriate circumstances, including students' achievements, participation in official programmes or specific activities, and documentation required for official reports.
Teachers have also been instructed to exercise due care when posting, sharing or disseminating content through their personal or official social media accounts, particularly material relating to students, school activities and the wider school community.
The circular states that content that could damage a school's reputation, bring the school uniform into disrepute, or compromise the dignity, privacy or personal well-being of students or staff must not be shared on social media.
It further cautions that content amounting to criminal intimidation or defamation may attract punishment under Sections 351 and 356, respectively, of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Privacy violations and prohibited electronic content may also invite action under applicable provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Schools directed to promote responsible digital citizenship
The Directorate has instructed schools to sensitise and educate students about the responsible use of social media, including the permanence of digital footprints and the potential consequences of content posted, shared or circulated online.
Students should be encouraged to exercise caution, respect the privacy and dignity of others, and behave responsibly on digital platforms.
The circular calls on all heads of institutions to ensure that the guidelines are implemented effectively and to establish a school environment that promotes responsible digital citizenship, mutual respect and ethical conduct.
The Directorate has urged school authorities to adopt a proactive and consistent approach to preventing misuse and safeguarding students' interests.
The circular was issued by Angela Zothanpuii, Director of School Education, Mizoram, and circulated to relevant education officials and district authorities for wider dissemination and necessary action.