I was just reading the top story in today’s Richmond Times Dispatch: Richmond-area schools consider social-media policies for teacher-student interaction. The school divisions ofHanover, Henrico,Richmond andChesterfield do not currently have a policy that strictly addresses the use of social media. Is it necessary?!?!? Must there be a policy that governs common-sense?? Henrico School Board Chairman said it best, “Once you put something out there, it’s there. It’s not going anywhere. It’s going to be found.” So as professionals, we should govern ourselves accordingly. Remember, in the court of public opinion, we do not have to “be” guilty of impropriety we just have to “appear” guilty.
As a high school administrator, I cannot think of a good reason why I need to be facebook friends with any students (past or present) . . . or their parents for that matter. I have even “de-friended” some teachers who are in my building. I concluded that personal & professional lines should not cross. Now let’s flip this coin, as a means for communication, social media is a great way for teachers to relay school-related information/reminders after the school-day has ended. Students are more inclined to check their facebook page more so than checking their notebooks! I hope we have not gotten to the point where we need a policy to govern common-sense. What do you think??
