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Policy Keeps Teachers & Students From Being Facebook Friends

Story Published: May 7, 2012 at 4:43 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 7, 2012 at 6:21 PM EDT

Many schools have policies telling teachers not to pal around with students outside the school. 

At Heuvelton Central, that also includes Facebook.

"Teachers and staff members cannot friend students on Facebook, current students," said Susan Todd, district superintendent.

The district has a new social media policy.

It aims to prevent inappropriate communication between students and staff and shield teachers from an awkward situation.

"Once you 'friend' one, you probably have to 'friend' them all and this way they have Facebook for what it's meant," said Todd.

The "no friending" policy establishes at least one clear boundary in the exploding world of internet communications.

"So to protect the professional careers of our staff and make sure our children are protected, we decided we had to draw that line somewhere," said Tom Nichols, Heuvelton school board member.

It isn't just Heuvelton Central. 

St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES is reviewing its own social media policy and many of its member districts are doing the same.

"When you're posting online, you're in essence, publishing and those publications last a long time in the digital world," said Tom Burns, BOCES superintendent.

The policy at Heuvelton doesn't stop teachers from posting on Facebook.

It does remind them they are role models for children, and to be careful.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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