It’s becoming more and more rare to find an adult that does not have an account with one of the many social networking sites. And it’s almost become second nature for kids and especially teenagers, when their parents allow it,to spend their free time posting updates via their computers or cell phones.
The National School Boards Association blogged over the weekend that an Idaho school district is developing a policy that limits teacher online interaction with students. It’s a common-sense policy that is well overdue. One would think that most schools should have had similar guidance in place long ago.
The issue of inappropriate teacher-student relationships outside of the classroom mirrors challenges faced by school bus drivers, monitors and even department heads. Lines can quickly become blurred. I’ve spoken with several pupil transportation directors over the last six months from large, medium and small school districts alike who have unfortunately had to fire employees who have either been caught in inappropriate relationships with students or co-workers. In at least a couple of instances, social networking played role.
According to NSBA Senior Staff Attorney:
“If it were me, and I were a teacher, I’d say just don’t do it. The name says it all…Those are not the kinds of relationships that teachers are supposed to have with students…”
The school transportation industry has been increasingly marketing itself as a professional extension of the classroom and bus drivers, monitors and any other employees that matter with direct (and possibly indirect) interaction with students as part of their job functions should think long and hard about how they use social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace or any host of others.
It’s about protecting the kids, yourself and your career.
