Implications for teachers who socialize with students online, and how to avoid them

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Let’s return to our multi-post (here, here, and here) discussion of student and teacher interaction on social networking sites or in other online venues. Social networks such as Facebook and MySpace are primarily for socializing. “Socializing” involves interacting for social purposes, and “social purposes” are those marked by friendly companionship with others. It seems, therefore, that school staff should avoid socializing with students in these environments, because educators and students arguably should not be engaged in friendly companionship.

There are some significant concerns with the possibility of students and teachers having this kind of interaction, including the issue that students flirt. If a student were to send a flirtatious message to a staff member, that staff member may be in serious trouble. If the teacher responds to the message warmly, he or she faces the accusation of sexual solicitation. If the teacher turns the student down, he or she faces the possibility of revenge.

Another concern is that the staff member participating on a social networking site will become a “guarantor” of all friends, meaning that if a teacher “friends” some students but not others, it could create a perception that those specific students are favored and may receive preferential treatment (such as a better grade than the others). Relatedly, anything performed online by a public school employee – including information and images posted on social networking sites – will be used to judge the character of that individual. There is also the concern that the friends of the staff member may post unflattering information or tag inappropriate images of them which will quickly be used to prompt one major question: “Is this the kind of person we trust to be responsible for our children?”

Ian Defeo, a substitute teacher in Cape May, New Jersey was judged by online content after giving one of his students a sticker with his band’s logo which also had the address to his MySpace page. The student then visited the teacher’s MySpace page which contained his band’s music videos containing explicit lyrics and one video that contained a brief moment where a woman was exposing herself. The school deemed this content inappropriate and therefore fired him, confirming that school employees can be disciplined for off-duty conduct if the school district can show that the conduct may have had an adverse impact on the school. Non-tenured teachers, like Ian, have even fewer protections.

All of this said, I believe school staff should be able to communicate with students regarding class work and school activities through a school-based Web 2.0 environment and district email system (sometimes also termed a “walled garden” approach). These are school-related communications in which distinctions of status are professional maintained and not socially blurred or distorted. Most communication through school-based means are monitored (for example, all communications are CC’d to an administrator or stored in an accessible database for review and archival) and provide a safer means of interaction between teachers and students. My hope is that more and more of these approaches will be implemented and, more importantly, gain visibility, traction, and usage among teachers and youth.

Referring back to the article in Education Week that I wrote about in my earlier post, Terri Miller, the president of the group Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct, and Exploitation, says “policy makers should not enact reactionary legislation regarding contact between teachers and students. What they really need to focus on is training in proper boundaries.” Overall, the message to school staff members should be: Think before you act/post. Never send or post, or allow others to send or post any material online that will raise questions about your character or values. Another wise practice that seems critical to implement is to always communicate with students in a professional manner, even if you are using privacy protection features on social networking sites (as privacy protections will not necessarily prevent disclosure of the existence and content of these interactions).

Always exercise extreme care when communicating online with students and if at all possible, avoid socializing. These measures, along with district policy that preempts the possibility of inappropriate relationships developing online between staff and students, seems the best way to go.

18 Comments

  1. The most important question here is…really, why does a teacher need to be in constant contact with their students? Have we really thought about this? Especially in a secondary school environment. Seriously, teachers spend more time with students than their own parents. What is the need to have additional contact? Quite frankly, none – period. Generations of teachers and students managed to get by just fine with in-school contact alone, why now? I think this basic premise is applicable to college also. As a teacher, one of my most important responsibilities is to teach young people proper boundaries. Far too many take far too many liberties with how they speak, how they email, etc. I do not inherently have a problem with that. Part of my job is to work with them on proper professional boundaries and modes/methods of communication. I heard a colleague (at a University where I teach) explain that she lets her students text message her, gives out her cell phone number, takes calls up until 10pm at night, etc., etc. She explained how important it was for them to have constant access to her in case they needed help with projects. Why exactly? How about teach students how to work independently? How about explain to students they cannot wait until the last minute and handle things during normal business hours? Most of us are not working on time-sensitive international peace initiatives so a little delay would be fine. How are they supposed to function outside of the academic world when the find, geeze, you can't call your boss at 10pm? What shall I do now?

    The dangers associated with relationships that are too informal far, far out-weight any positive gained.

  2. The most important question here is…really, why does a teacher need to be in constant contact with their students? Have we really thought about this? Especially in a secondary school environment. Seriously, teachers spend more time with students than their own parents. What is the need to have additional contact? Quite frankly, none – period. Generations of teachers and students managed to get by just fine with in-school contact alone, why now? I think this basic premise is applicable to college also. As a teacher, one of my most important responsibilities is to teach young people proper boundaries. Far too many take far too many liberties with how they speak, how they email, etc. I do not inherently have a problem with that. Part of my job is to work with them on proper professional boundaries and modes/methods of communication. I heard a colleague (at a University where I teach) explain that she lets her students text message her, gives out her cell phone number, takes calls up until 10pm at night, etc., etc. She explained how important it was for them to have constant access to her in case they needed help with projects. Why exactly? How about teach students how to work independently? How about explain to students they cannot wait until the last minute and handle things during normal business hours? Most of us are not working on time-sensitive international peace initiatives so a little delay would be fine. How are they supposed to function outside of the academic world when the find, geeze, you can't call your boss at 10pm? What shall I do now?

    The dangers associated with relationships that are too informal far, far out-weight any positive gained.

  3. It is a scary endeavor indeed, but let's outline a few "positives" gained.

    1. Teachers could model proper online behavior.

    2. A teacher could post interesting articles, videos and resources for students to view when they are in this environment.

    3. Teachers may gain insight into a a student's personality and possible challenges they face in their home life.

    4. Teachers may keep an eye out for cyberbullying.

    Possible best practices:

    1. Do not initiate conversation with any students – even if you are friends with them.

    2. Accept all friend requests

    3. Maintain a school-only account

    4. Do not post any photos of yourself

    I agree that there is a huge risk involved. I know colleagues that have separate accounts and have had no issues with students.

  4. It is a scary endeavor indeed, but let's outline a few "positives" gained.

    1. Teachers could model proper online behavior.

    2. A teacher could post interesting articles, videos and resources for students to view when they are in this environment.

    3. Teachers may gain insight into a a student's personality and possible challenges they face in their home life.

    4. Teachers may keep an eye out for cyberbullying.

    Possible best practices:

    1. Do not initiate conversation with any students – even if you are friends with them.

    2. Accept all friend requests

    3. Maintain a school-only account

    4. Do not post any photos of yourself

    I agree that there is a huge risk involved. I know colleagues that have separate accounts and have had no issues with students.

  5. I do not see why a teacher needs to interact with students online. I can see a school related event or assignment being online. Something that is graded or used to develop a student learning for a subject at school or just to expose them to technology use. We are not their friends. Online social networks are for friends and family. I feel that students, because of the online social networks, believe when we show them attention at school we are buddys. We ask about how school is going or if we know their parents or siblings we ask about them. Students see this as hey Mr. so and so or MS whatchamacallit is my new best friend. I am here to teach them and maybe show them some examples of a positve lifestyle. I am not here to be there buds. Being the friend of a student online or in RL brings with it a boat load of issues. Most Negative.

  6. I do not see why a teacher needs to interact with students online. I can see a school related event or assignment being online. Something that is graded or used to develop a student learning for a subject at school or just to expose them to technology use. We are not their friends. Online social networks are for friends and family. I feel that students, because of the online social networks, believe when we show them attention at school we are buddys. We ask about how school is going or if we know their parents or siblings we ask about them. Students see this as hey Mr. so and so or MS whatchamacallit is my new best friend. I am here to teach them and maybe show them some examples of a positve lifestyle. I am not here to be there buds. Being the friend of a student online or in RL brings with it a boat load of issues. Most Negative.

  7. I deleted my profile all together from facebook ever since our administrator warned us about the risks involved. We had a teacher post pictures of his students on facebook doing school related things, but a couple of parents strongly opposed their childs picture on the internet. Eventhough it was a school approriate picture it was still ruled unacceptable by the parents. In this situation there is no reward or reason to network with students through facebook. It only puts your job on the line, it makes administrators worried about your confidentiality and ethics as a teacher in his/her building. To this day I no longer have a facebook account, and don't have to even worry about this social networking becoming a possibility. I just don't think facebook is as asset for schools; therefore, teachers should stay off of it. Start blogs on your home district stie, or teacher webpage rather than relying on myspace or facebook to communicate.

  8. I deleted my profile all together from facebook ever since our administrator warned us about the risks involved. We had a teacher post pictures of his students on facebook doing school related things, but a couple of parents strongly opposed their childs picture on the internet. Eventhough it was a school approriate picture it was still ruled unacceptable by the parents. In this situation there is no reward or reason to network with students through facebook. It only puts your job on the line, it makes administrators worried about your confidentiality and ethics as a teacher in his/her building. To this day I no longer have a facebook account, and don't have to even worry about this social networking becoming a possibility. I just don't think facebook is as asset for schools; therefore, teachers should stay off of it. Start blogs on your home district stie, or teacher webpage rather than relying on myspace or facebook to communicate.

  9. I completely agree with the opening comments made by Scooby. I believe the teaching profession as a whole is viewed very differently than a lot of other professions and as a result the expectations are much higher. Too often we hear of instances in which inappropriate comments are made or actions are taken involving a teacher-student relationship. There is a certain standard or line of professionalism that must exist and cannot be crossed. As Scooby pointed out, teachers spend eight hours a day with students what is the need for extended communication or contact. As a professional and more importantly, as an adult, wouldn't you want some barrier or time away from the school setting. We have all been warned of the dangers associated with social networking. We stress to our students and own children how careful one must be while social networking. I think it might be beneficial for some teachers to hear the same message. The risks and dangers involved with interacting with students via social networks far outweigh the positive learning experiences that might be possible.

  10. I completely agree with the opening comments made by Scooby. I believe the teaching profession as a whole is viewed very differently than a lot of other professions and as a result the expectations are much higher. Too often we hear of instances in which inappropriate comments are made or actions are taken involving a teacher-student relationship. There is a certain standard or line of professionalism that must exist and cannot be crossed. As Scooby pointed out, teachers spend eight hours a day with students what is the need for extended communication or contact. As a professional and more importantly, as an adult, wouldn't you want some barrier or time away from the school setting. We have all been warned of the dangers associated with social networking. We stress to our students and own children how careful one must be while social networking. I think it might be beneficial for some teachers to hear the same message. The risks and dangers involved with interacting with students via social networks far outweigh the positive learning experiences that might be possible.

  11. I would like to echo 'teacher's comment from April 12th. There is much positive to be gained, when of course the proper precautions are taken. I agree with each of the listed best practices, and would add one of my own as well – pay close attention to your privacy settings. Facebook allows the creation of groups of friends – and the specific information each group can see. Students shouldn't see my status postings, or pictures. in fact, students can see very little of my profile page. But they can contact me about lesson questions, concert attendance, and you tube videos of other groups performing our concert pieces. Personally, I have had the opportunity to intervene on improper cyber etiquette by a special needs student that was causing her some social trauma, and some cyber bullying issues, as well as gain valuable insight into the family/social concerns of challenging students. I have also had great success posting various school functions as 'facebook events' and received much greater participation as a result. I agree that cyber contact with students comes with some risks, but when proper precautions are taken, these cyber connections made with students can play an invaluable role in making classroom connections.

  12. I would like to echo 'teacher's comment from April 12th. There is much positive to be gained, when of course the proper precautions are taken. I agree with each of the listed best practices, and would add one of my own as well – pay close attention to your privacy settings. Facebook allows the creation of groups of friends – and the specific information each group can see. Students shouldn't see my status postings, or pictures. in fact, students can see very little of my profile page. But they can contact me about lesson questions, concert attendance, and you tube videos of other groups performing our concert pieces. Personally, I have had the opportunity to intervene on improper cyber etiquette by a special needs student that was causing her some social trauma, and some cyber bullying issues, as well as gain valuable insight into the family/social concerns of challenging students. I have also had great success posting various school functions as 'facebook events' and received much greater participation as a result. I agree that cyber contact with students comes with some risks, but when proper precautions are taken, these cyber connections made with students can play an invaluable role in making classroom connections.

  13. I would like to believe that if musicteacher takes proper precautions and is professional in how he handles himself that it would be ok to have a Facebook page that is used for school. I also totally agree with nelsonrc that the teaching profession is viewed by society with a different set of standards. I do not think that a teacher should ever have students as "friends" on a personal, social networking site. I believe that a simple comment could be misconstrued and a teacher could find himself in trouble very easily. When I first started in this profession a wise teacher told me we can be friendly with our students but we should not their friends. Even though that was before the cyber-age, I feel his advice still fits this situation.

  14. I would like to respond to Scooby's comment. The unfortunate thing about education these days, is that teachers are often required and expected by PARENTS to be at their every beck and call. Principals encourage teachers to have websites, even though this is not required by many teacher's unions, and parents complain if information is not posted on a website. Parents, through laws and districts that sway to any threatened lawsuit, feel very entitled in public education. They have come to expect to receive correspondence from teachers late at night, because, sadly, we teachers are used to working from home just to keep up with all the demands set on us. I know I am not addressing anything to do with social networking, but my point is that students are only expecting what they hear from their parents – if parents are complaining (often in front of their student and without regard for what should be shared among adults – parent and teacher – versus what a child should hear) or arguing with teachers about insufficient correspondence or help, their student also hears this and feels that it is the job of the teacher to be in constant access. Now, when we went to school, yes, we had that teacher for an hour each day and if we didn't understand something, we had to wait until the next day for clarification, etc. MAYBE in high school I might have emailed my physics teacher or something for clarification on a project, but other than that, we had to use the resources we had, pay as much attention to direction and instruction as we could, and then do our best from there. Nowadays, and coming down the pike, if a student has any kind of diagnosis for attention, or any other thing, it seems the right of the parent to receive accommodations from a school. Currently, just having a diagnosis does not guarantee this, but I know it is soon coming. I think the problem with teachers giving too much access of themselves to their students, is not a problem they created themselves. In addition, and hopefully this is not too offensive to those of us who are public servants – but sometimes I think that a teacher's own self esteem is what is reinforced by being so "accessible." We of course have helpful natures and motives, but often being so helpful and being recognized as such feeds our esteem at the detriment of our personal lives or priorities. It feels good to be complimented by the boss, or thanked by a parent, but often we are not setting real world boundaries, as another commentor mentioned – we want to be super helpful, but are we enabling our students just so we can feel like we've been the best teacher we can be? Maybe being overly helpful and accommodating (responding to email late at night like unfortunately I have done) is not helpful at all. These students eventually have to go to college, and they should realize that not everything is at their fingertips, even though our society screams that over and over again. ALL THAT being said, I don't think educators should not have facebook pages at all, I just think they need to be extremely careful. I choose not to "friend" any current or former students, unless they have graduated high school or are adults. I also have every privacy setting imaginable up, and even though they have graduated or are adults, those that were former students cannot see "status updates" or any of my photos.

  15. I would like to respond to Scooby's comment. The unfortunate thing about education these days, is that teachers are often required and expected by PARENTS to be at their every beck and call. Principals encourage teachers to have websites, even though this is not required by many teacher's unions, and parents complain if information is not posted on a website. Parents, through laws and districts that sway to any threatened lawsuit, feel very entitled in public education. They have come to expect to receive correspondence from teachers late at night, because, sadly, we teachers are used to working from home just to keep up with all the demands set on us. I know I am not addressing anything to do with social networking, but my point is that students are only expecting what they hear from their parents – if parents are complaining (often in front of their student and without regard for what should be shared among adults – parent and teacher – versus what a child should hear) or arguing with teachers about insufficient correspondence or help, their student also hears this and feels that it is the job of the teacher to be in constant access. Now, when we went to school, yes, we had that teacher for an hour each day and if we didn't understand something, we had to wait until the next day for clarification, etc. MAYBE in high school I might have emailed my physics teacher or something for clarification on a project, but other than that, we had to use the resources we had, pay as much attention to direction and instruction as we could, and then do our best from there. Nowadays, and coming down the pike, if a student has any kind of diagnosis for attention, or any other thing, it seems the right of the parent to receive accommodations from a school. Currently, just having a diagnosis does not guarantee this, but I know it is soon coming. I think the problem with teachers giving too much access of themselves to their students, is not a problem they created themselves. In addition, and hopefully this is not too offensive to those of us who are public servants – but sometimes I think that a teacher's own self esteem is what is reinforced by being so "accessible." We of course have helpful natures and motives, but often being so helpful and being recognized as such feeds our esteem at the detriment of our personal lives or priorities. It feels good to be complimented by the boss, or thanked by a parent, but often we are not setting real world boundaries, as another commentor mentioned – we want to be super helpful, but are we enabling our students just so we can feel like we've been the best teacher we can be? Maybe being overly helpful and accommodating (responding to email late at night like unfortunately I have done) is not helpful at all. These students eventually have to go to college, and they should realize that not everything is at their fingertips, even though our society screams that over and over again. ALL THAT being said, I don't think educators should not have facebook pages at all, I just think they need to be extremely careful. I choose not to "friend" any current or former students, unless they have graduated high school or are adults. I also have every privacy setting imaginable up, and even though they have graduated or are adults, those that were former students cannot see "status updates" or any of my photos.

  16. I totally that "My/face" is for SOCIAL purposes only… teacher should NEVER friend students- it directly crosses the line of appropriateness. People must consider why they are using social networking and how many friends they have. People must be careful of whom they friend and share information. SO many things can be taken out of context online, pictures can be edited it is just not a safe practice. Using DISTRICT email/websites should be the way to communicate online with students. These accounts are subject to open records laws so that what is said is public record. There are much better ways to reach your students then to use your personal myface page to chat with current students. If you are NOT friends with them IRL then you should not be friends with them on "Myface".

  17. I personally do not/will not interact with students via Facebook or any other online tool. Too many things can go wrong. Teachers work in a spotlight. Even minor slips are highly scrutinized. In a perfect world, an Internet entity like Facebook offers highly viable educational acumen for school-age children and teachers. Big but, Facebook is not our father’s Oldsmobile; not even close; not even in the same galaxy. Internet entries are indelible marks that can be edited.

  18. I personally do not/will not interact with students via Facebook or any other online tool. Too many things can go wrong. Teachers work in a spotlight. Even minor slips are highly scrutinized. In a perfect world, an Internet entity like Facebook offers highly viable educational acumen for school-age children and teachers. Big but, Facebook is not our father’s Oldsmobile; not even close; not even in the same galaxy. Internet entries are indelible marks that can be edited.

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