Skip to content
BLOG

Why Storytelling is more important than ever: Tackling AI Challenges in Independent Schools

7 Oct 25

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, one thing remains constant - the power of authentic human storytelling. During a recent Interactive Schools webinar, we explored how AI is transforming the landscape of social media for schools, the opportunities it brings, and the vital importance of keeping storytelling real, personal and human.

For school marketers, Field’s journey offers a practical roadmap: a rebrand is not just about visual polish. Done well, it can realign your entire community around a shared story and spark meaningful engagement.

THE RISE OF AI IN SOCIAL MEDIA

AI is now deeply embedded in the social media platforms that schools use every day. From Meta's AI Assistant on Facebook and Instagram to TikTok's Creative Centre and LinkedIn's AI drafting tools, automation is changing how schools share content and connect with their communities.

  • Facebook & Instagram - AI can answer DMS, suggest posts, generate captions, auto-caption videos, and even recommend hashtags or stickers that align with your content
  • TikTok - AI can suggest hashtags and filters, generate scripts, and even recognise what's in your video to recommend relevant captions.- such as turning a rainy office video into a '#RainyDayAdventure"
  • LinkedIn - AI helps page admins draft posts, summarise articles, and suggest engagement responses like "Congratulations!" or "Well Done!"

These tools can be incredibly helpful, saving time and improving accessibility. But balance is everything. Schools must embrace AI without losing their unique human voice.

the hidden risk of ai

While AI opens doors for creativity and efficiency, it also presents real risks. There are five key areas schools need to mindful of:

  1. Data Privacy, Security and Safeguarding
    Never upload sensitive student data - names, images, or dates of birth - into AI platforms. This can breach GDPR and other data protection laws. Always ensure parents and guardians have provided informed consent if student images are to be edited or enhanced with AI.
  2. Misinformation and Misrepresentation
    AI-generated content can easily distort reality. Schools must be careful to represent their communities truthfully and avoid using tools that might alter images or create misleading impressions.
  3. Loss Of Personal Touch
    No AI can capture tone, warmth or passion that comes from a genuine school community. Over-reliance on AI risks making your content sound generic or impersonal.
  4. Over-Reliance On Automation
    AI isn't perfect - it can make factual mistakes, misunderstand tone, or misinterpret content. Fact-checking, editing and human oversight remain essential.
  5. Ethical Concerns
    Using AI without consent, or allowing student data to be stored and reused by third-party platforms, poses ethical and reputational risks.
PROTECTING YOUR SCHOOLS REPUTATION

Reputation and trust are built through authenticity. Audiences can quickly spot content that feels artificial or inconsistent with your school's values.

  • Always label AI-generated or AI-altered content clearly
  • Maintain a consisten tone of voice that aligns with your brand
  • Avoid using AI as a shortcut - use it as a support tool instead
AI Lables Stamped
SAFEGUARDING BEST PRACTICES
  • Watermark or brand your images to subtly make them harder to misuse
  • Share low- resolution images online to prevent easy repurposing
  • Remove metadata (like GPS or camera details) before uploading
  • Review content before publishing to check permissions and ensure images meet safeguarding standards
  • Educate your staff and students about AI - how to use it responsibly and how to spot AI-generated content

We recommend using AI-related clauses in your photography permissions and social media policies to ensure parents understand how their children's images may be used or enhanced.

KEEP STORYELLING AUTHENTIC

“Due to the rise of AI, authentic and human-told stories are more important now than they’ve ever been. You, as the humans, are the only ones who can accurately and appropriately represent the reality of life in your schools.”

Authenticity is the beating heart of every school's story - the laughter in the playground, the passion of your teachers, the triumphs and challanges that make your community unique. AI can help your tell that story more effecitently, but it can never replace the truth and warmth that come from real people.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  1. Embrace AI tools - but don't rely on them
  2. Balance innovation with authenticity
  3. Protect your students' data and your school's reputation
  4. Education your community to recognise AI-generated content
  5. Keep storytelling at the heart of everything you do

Interactive Schools continues to support educators and marketers worldwide in unlocking "the magic of every school, one story at a time" 

👉 Want to discover how we can help your school share its authentic story? Contact us today at wow@interactiveschools.com