Indirect abuse of public resources

The Ministry of National Education (MEB) haspressed the button. The era of the influencer teacher is coming to an end. At first glance, the issue involves a fewchildren who shine on social media by turning ona camlike a teacher. However, the issue is much broaderthan this. The real debate is about theline between civil service and freelanceearnings,which has been deliberatelyblurred foryears.standardization.

Classrooms have turned into film sets, students have turned into decorativeelementsThe issue here goes beyond being pedagogical.The directive sent by the Ministry of National Education to all 81 provincesisostensiblyaimed at social media posts.However,between the lines,it suggests otherwise. there is a much clearer message: the era of building a personal brandusing public poweris coming to an end.

This is notjust a story limited to education.In recentdays, allegationssurfaced at a public institution in KonyaThe allegations made show how widespread the issue has become.A public employee working at a tax officecontinued to produce content for social mediaduring a periodwhen they were onlong-term medical leave,and furthermore, turned this into a revenue model.isbeingdiscussed.While the state salary continues to be paid, the fact that“free time” is being allocated to social media productionreveals how much the system has loosened.clearlydemonstrates.

These examples are just thetip of theiceberg.Those working atthe tax office while running cafes, playgrounds, or similar businesses on the sidebell; there are also those who are not content with their public salary andadorn this with avisiblelifestyle.A standard of living that is difficult to explain with official income, a different destination for every vacation.Photos shared from Dubai, stories coming from Bali.They all makeone ask the same question: How is this possible?

There is no moral lesson here regarding anyone's travels, tastes, or preferences. The issue is much simpler and more technical: Being in a position that represents the state whilesimultaneously acting like a market player. A system where the tax auditor and the taxpayer meet at the same table, or even in the same business, is notsustainable.Someone needs to look at this picture, and not just look, but measure it, ask questions,and separate them if necessary.

Influencer teacher example is important for this reason. The student's visual pattern is used to gain followers, followget advertisements with itis being used, and revenue is generated through advertising. The state's classroom, the state's student, and the state's salary are simultaneously turning into a triple profit model.To call this free enterprise isis notpossible. Thisisclearlyan indirect abuseof public resources.

The penalty imposed by the Ministry of National Education may seemlight: forreprimand. However, its entry into the record and the fact that it is not deleted for five years is critical. Because the system saysthis: “This is not just a warning, but a line.” Crossing that lineaffects management, awards, and career pathscloses it. In other words, the issue is not about sharing, but about the misuse of one's position.

The real question is this: Will this approach be limited only to teachers? Or will the state finally hold the same mirror up toall public personnel?If this is a matter of principle, its scope must be expanded. The state must either tell its civil servants, 'You are free, go conduct your business,' or speak clearly by saying, 'You cannot conduct business using this title.'

School studio deis not. A tax office is nota content production areaeither. A hospital is not a film set. A university isnot a personal branding agency. The state cannot be carried around as a business card. This step islate, butit is a correct step. Now the question is whether this is an exception or areal bethe beginningis that itis.