I’ve written before about how Instagram has become a place where I find thought provoking, ideal-for-the-classroom images, and braver voices sharing their ideas in ways that aren’t possible on Twitter. Their language, their imagery and their message speaks to Millennials and Generation Z and keeps me on my toes. I am toying with the idea of creating a #FoundOnSocialMedia display board in my classroom, a place where I can display posts that caught my eye, but also a place where my students can share the things that they think will resonate with our health class. I swim in very different social media waters to my students and I appreciate it when students look at their social media spaces through a ‘health lens’ and share new resources with me.

I always tag the posts that catch my eye and am sharing some of my favorite accounts with you in case you are looking for new educational accounts to follow that are more than a bitmoji, a cute font and incessant links to a Teachers Pay Teachers account!

@feminist

I recently followed the @Feminist account and have found myself saving so many posts that are uplifting and educational. This account represents a community rooted in intersectional feminism, and exists to amplify a diverse network of change makers, activists and creators. Their list of advisers includes Blair Imani, Feminista Jones, Corinne Rice-Grey Cloud and Ren Fernandez-Kim. I challenge you to learn more about each of these individuals and not get lost in a rabbit-hole of awesomeness. I also encourage you to sign up for their newsletter.

@ndn.o

This account has opened my eyes to Indigenous history and blends gut-punching artwork with powerful advocacy to fight back against the erasure and suppression of Native American’s. Otaes, the artist, uses their work to help expose more people to the reality of Indigenous history and present. Visit the account and check out the lengthy FAQ posts.

@bumble

Full disclosure – I have never used a dating app, they came along after I got married! Bumble, America’s second largest dating site, has a great Instagram account with lots of posts that could be used as conversation starters in the classroom. Posts can take a wellness angle, a consent angle (see above), or simply address issues pertaining to relationships.

@amazeparents

Whenever neighborhood friends ask me for health-related resources to help with awkward conversations with their own kids about puberty, sex, consent etc, I ALWAYS point them in the direction of AMAZE. Their Instagram account acts as a “free sex ed resource in your virtual corner to help those awkward (but oh, so critical) talks with your children!” Once you’ve visited out this account and realized how awesome they are….check out their awesome “Become An Askable Parent” podcast!

@pleasurepie

One potential project that I have burning a hole in the back of my brain right now is to have my students create zines. I’ve created brochures and pamphlets before but zines seem to be very much on trend right now, and the #graphicmedicine community on social media are very creative. (If you are reading this and are part of the #graphicmedicine community PLEASE consider writing a guest blog post for me). The Pleasure Pie account is from a grassroots sex-positive organization in Boston, MA. who make zines, illustrations, publications, events, and have conversations on sexual empowerment and consent. Some of their materials are NSFW, but I like their style and their message.

@consentlabs

Located in Australia, this is another account that has amazing images that you’ll want to save and use with your classroom conversations. Consent Labs is foremost a collective of young people with a passion. Bringing personal experiences from various university campuses and residential colleges, Consent Labs was born out of a recognized need for greater awareness of consent, sexual harassment and assault. Consent Labs is a youth run organization facilitating a platform for young people to learn how to navigate consent respectfully. This account was awesome last time I blogged about them…and they’ve stepped up their game even further since. A must-follow.

@regen_health

Run by a supplement company, this account features great mental health messages. There aren’t any links back to their products, so this doesn’t seem to be an account that is intent on selling you things. Again, there are quotes and images here that will speak to health teachers addressing mental health issues with their students.

@justgirlproject

This account should be your gateway into the wonderful Just Girl Project world. The Just Girl Project is a “movement that empowers girls to embrace their passions, be blatantly honest, and take ownership of their individual struggles.” In addition to their newsletter, there are free downloadables, wallpapers, and merchandise to buy and support the movement.

@ecdiazdeleon

With toxic masculinity continuing to trend, this account is run by someone who has existed on both ends of the spectrum. With the help of a young men’s support group at his local high school, Emiliano Diaz de Leon was able to break free from the vicious cycle of domestic and relationship violence. As a father of two sons, the messages from accounts like this resonate with me deeply, and guide me towards becoming the father my boys deserve.

@jill_dehaan

I’m a sucker for great art and typography and could browse accounts like this for hours. Jill specializes in lettering and illustration and loves exploring different mediums in both areas. You can buy art from her online store. If she ever uploads this image to her site, I’ll buy it and display it in my classroom.

Although I still enjoy my twitter addiction, you can find me on Instagram where I am still experimenting with ideas and ways in which I want to increase my online presence.

What am I missing out on? Where are the Instagram accounts that I should add to my list? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below, or on twitter using the hashtag #slowchathealth.