X (Twitter)
What's X (Twitter)?
X, formerly known as Twitter, is a microblogging platform where users post short updates (“tweets”) to share thoughts, resources, and news. It’s popular for real-time updates, trending topics, and professional networking. Educators and institutions often use X to build their professional learning networks (PLNs), share classroom moments, and connect with broader educational communities.
How to create an account
To create an account on X (formerly Twitter), download the app or visit x.com. Click “Sign up,” enter your name, phone number or email, and create a password. Follow the prompts to set up your profile, choose interests, and start following accounts to customize your feed. Verify your email if needed.
Writing your first tweet
To write your first tweet on X, tap the “Post” button (a feather icon), type your message in 280 characters or less, and add images or hashtags if you like. Keep it clear and friendly. Once ready, click “Post” to share your tweet with your followers and start engaging!
Following users, hashtags, and trends
To follow users on X, visit their profile and click “Follow.” To follow hashtags, search for a topic (like #Education) and engage with related posts. Explore trending topics by tapping “Explore.” Staying active with follows and trends keeps your feed relevant. Learn more here: help.twitter.com.
Liking, replying, retweeting
On X, you can like a post by tapping the heart icon, reply by clicking the speech bubble and typing your response, and retweet by pressing the two-arrow icon to share the post with your followers. Engaging with posts helps you join conversations and build connections on the platform.
Using lists and bookmarks
On X, you can organize your favorite accounts by creating Lists—groups of users around specific topics—by selecting “Lists” and clicking “Create new List.” To save individual posts for later, tap the share icon and select “Bookmark.” Lists and bookmarks help you easily find important content and stay organized.
Hashtag Tips
- When using hashtags on X, keep them short, relevant, and easy to read.
- Limit hashtags to one or two per post to avoid clutter.
- Capitalize each word in multi-word hashtags for clarity (e.g., #DigitalSafety).
- Research trending hashtags to join broader conversations and increase the visibility of your posts.
Following professors, institutions, and professionals
Students should follow professors, institutions, and professionals on X to build a strong academic network. Choose credible accounts related to your field, engage respectfully with posts, and share thoughtful comments. Keep your own profile professional, use real names or academic handles, and stay active to create meaningful learning connections.
Keeping tweets appropriate
Students should keep tweets appropriate by using respectful language, avoiding offensive jokes or controversial topics, and thinking before posting. They should remember that tweets are public and can be seen by future employers or schools. Keeping tweets positive, thoughtful, and related to personal or academic interests helps build a strong online presence.
Avoiding oversharing personal info
Students can avoid oversharing on X by not posting personal details like their full name, address, school schedule, or phone number. They should think carefully about what they share, adjust privacy settings, and avoid posting sensitive moments publicly. Staying cautious helps protect their safety and maintain a professional digital presence.
Managing privacy settings to control who sees your posts
Students can manage privacy settings on X by going to Settings > Privacy and Safety. They can make their account private, limit who can tag or message them, and control who sees their posts. Regularly reviewing these settings helps protect personal information. Learn more here: help.twitter.com.
Reporting harassment or inappropriate content
Students can report harassment and inappropriate content on X by clicking the three dots next to the offending post and selecting “Report Post.” Follow the prompts to describe the problem. Reporting helps keep the platform safe and ensures that harmful content is reviewed by X’s moderation team for action.
Resources
Here’s a short list of resources students can use for safely navigating X (formerly Twitter):
X Help Center – Safety and Security
help.twitter.com/en/safety-and-security
(Official guides on privacy, security, and reporting)Cyberbullying Research Center – Twitter Safety Tips
cyberbullying.org/twitter-safety-tips
(Advice specifically for students using X)ConnectSafely’s Twitter Guide
connectsafely.org/twitter/
(Student-friendly tips for safer tweeting)
Using X to build your Professional Learning Network (PLN)
Teachers can use X to build a Professional Learning Network (PLN) by following educators, experts, and organizations in their field. Engaging in Twitter chats, sharing resources, and participating in educational conversations helps expand connections. Staying active and contributing thoughtfully builds a supportive network for collaboration, inspiration, and professional growth.
Sharing classroom news or achievements (using a class/edu handle)
Teachers can use X to share class news and achievements by creating a dedicated class or educational handle. Post updates about projects, student successes, and upcoming events. Always protect student privacy by avoiding full names or personal details. Consistent, positive posts help celebrate learning and strengthen school-home communication.
Participating in weekly education chats
Teachers can join weekly education chats on X by searching hashtags like #EdChat or #TeachChat. These chats are usually scheduled at specific times and follow a Q&A format. Participating helps teachers share ideas, ask questions, and connect with educators worldwide, fostering professional growth and fresh classroom inspiration.
Use school branding and disclaimers when needed
Teachers using X should align with school branding by including official logos, colors, or hashtags when posting class news. If posting personal views, adding a disclaimer like “opinions are my own” helps separate personal and professional content. Always follow district guidelines to maintain trust, professionalism, and clear communication boundaries.
Best Practices
Create a separate professional handle for class updates and communication.
Protect student privacy by avoiding full names, personal information, or identifiable photos.
Use school branding and official hashtags when sharing class news or achievements.
Engage respectfully and positively to model good digital citizenship for students.
Resources
X Help Center – For Educators
help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/twitter-for-educators
(Official tips for educators setting up and using accounts)Edutopia – Using Twitter in Education
edutopia.org/blog/twitter-expanding-learning-communities-sheryl-nussbaum-beach
(Strategies for creating learning communities)Common Sense Education – Teachers’ Guide to Twitter
commonsense.org/education/articles/teachers-guide-to-twitter
(A full guide to using X effectively and safely in education)ISTE – 5 Ways to Use Twitter for Professional Learning
iste.org/explore/professional-development/5-ways-use-twitter-professional-learning
(Professional learning ideas through social media)
Why students use X: academic news, event alerts, career info
Students may use X (formerly Twitter) in the classroom to build communication skills, connect with educational communities, and engage in real-world learning. It allows them to follow current events, participate in class discussions, and collaborate with experts and peers globally. Using X responsibly teaches digital citizenship and critical thinking. Teachers guide students with clear rules to ensure safe, appropriate use while enhancing learning opportunities beyond the classroom walls. It’s a modern tool for active, connected education.
Posting responsibly
Parents can teach their kids to post responsibly on X by discussing the importance of thinking before sharing, protecting personal information, and being respectful online. Encourage them to ask, “Would I say this in person?” Remind kids that posts are public and permanent, shaping their digital reputation over time.
Avoiding online arguments or misinformation
Parents can teach their kids to avoid online misinformation by encouraging them to question what they see, check sources, and compare information across trusted websites. Discuss how to spot clickbait, fake news, and biased content. Building critical thinking skills helps kids become smarter, more careful consumers of online information.
Securing accounts (2FA, privacy settings)
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your child’s X (formerly Twitter) account by requiring a second step, like a code sent to their phone, when logging in. Parents should guide kids to turn on 2FA in Settings under “Security and Account Access.” Additionally, review privacy settings to control who can see posts, send messages, or tag them. These steps help protect accounts from hackers, safeguard personal information, and create a safer online experience.
Resources
X Help Center – Safety and Security
help.twitter.com/en/safety-and-security
(Official guide on privacy, security, reporting, and account protection)Common Sense Media – Social Media Safety Tips
commonsensemedia.org/articles/social-media-safety-tips-for-teens
(Advice for helping kids use social media platforms wisely)Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) – Good Digital Parenting
fosi.org/good-digital-parenting
(Broad digital parenting resources including social media guidance)Cyberwise – Guide to Twitter for Parents
cyberwise.org/twitter
(Simple breakdown of how X works and safety tips for families)