Beverly Hills Unified School District has once again demonstrated its forward-thinking commitment to student well-being and parental trust by becoming one of the first school districts in the nation to join Instagram’s newly launched School Partnership Program.
This national safety initiative empowers schools to report harmful content directly to Instagram—an essential step in preserving a safe and respectful digital environment for students.
The BHUSD Communications Department, led by a team that continues to show exemplary effort in crisis response and student advocacy, secured this partnership after swiftly and effectively removing a malicious anonymous Instagram account targeting Beverly Hills High School students. The account’s removal—achieved in direct cooperation with Instagram—set a high standard for how schools can respond decisively to protect their students.
Now, every official BHUSD Instagram account carries the School Partner verification badge, symbolizing the district’s leadership and early adoption of tools that prioritize student protection in digital spaces.
“With a platform as large as Instagram, this partnership equips BHUSD with real-time tools to help protect our students online,” said Dr. Alex Cherniss, Superintendent of Schools. “We are proud to be part of this initiative prioritizing student safety in digital spaces.”Thanks to this new status, BHUSD now receives priority reporting access, real-time updates, and a direct line of communication with Instagram’s platform support team. But the benefits go beyond technical access. The program also provides valuable educational materials for students, staff, and families, helping to build a culture of responsible and respectful social media use.
Developed in partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the School Partnership Program offers a model of how educators can take a more active role in confronting digital threats like bullying and harassment.
That BHUSD was included in this initiative ahead of most other districts is no accident. It reflects a principled commitment to safety, transparency, and the strong leadership necessary to navigate the challenges of a connected world.
In an era where online platforms too often become arenas for cruelty and distraction, Beverly Hills Unified is setting a much-needed example of accountability and moral clarity.
As the district continues to put students first—online and off—we can expect more forward-thinking partnerships that reinforce its standing as a model for educational excellence and community care.
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