Ex-Machakos First Lady Lilian Ng’ang’a questions growing trend of teachers posting learners online

Former Machakos County First Lady Lilian Ng’ang’a has sparked debate over the increasing use of students as social media content by teachers and schools.

In remarks shared on her Instagram stories, Lilian expressed concern over whether parents and school administrations are fully aware when photos and videos of learners are posted online.

While acknowledging that educators have a right to showcase their work, she questioned the limits of sharing classroom moments on social platforms.

“It’s okay to post what you do for work,” she wrote. “Wondering though… Are parents okay with teachers posting students as content? Are parents aware? Is the school aware?”

Her remarks have reignited conversations around children’s privacy, consent, and digital safety, especially at a time when social media content from classrooms has become increasingly common.

Lilian’s comments come months after she urged parents to be intentional about the values they model at home.

In a message posted on March 14, she noted that children learn more from observing their parents’ daily habits and conversations than from verbal instruction alone.

“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.

The author and social advocate has recently been vocal on matters affecting parenting and family welfare.

Earlier this year, she also called for the extension of maternity leave in Kenya from three months to six months, arguing that the current duration is insufficient for new mothers and their babies.

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Her latest remarks have since drawn mixed reactions online, with some supporting stricter guidelines on posting children online, while others arguing that educational content shared responsibly can positively showcase learning activities in schools.