Three guidelines for safe social networking
June 8, 2009
BY BILL FERRIS
Whenever a new social networking tool shows up, a horror story of someone getting into trouble for abusing it follows shortly thereafter. A teacher in Scotland got into trouble recently for writing about her students on Twitter, during school hours no less.
You’re all smart people, and I have no doubt that you always maintain the utmost professional decorum in your online communiqués. Nevertheless, it can’t hurt to remember to exercise discretion while playing around with Twitter, Facebook, and to a lesser extent these days, MySpace. Here are three…I won’t say “rules.” Let’s call them guidelines for safe social networking.
- Make sure you find out your school’s policy for internet usage. Is it okay to post a Tweet or update your Facebook page during your planning period or between classes? A quick check with the office can save you lots of headaches later on.
- Remember you’re writing for the public. If you’re going to publish something on the internet, assume that people other than just your intended audience will read it. It’s tough to say someone was snooping when you post something in a public place.
- Tread very carefully when talking about students. The obvious reason is that it might irk parents and administrators, but I don’t think that’s your biggest concern. Rather, it’s not unlikely that at least one of your students will stumble upon your blog or your Twitter account. If you’re typing something you’re pretty sure you wouldn’t say to their face, or something that they’d, like, DIE if they knew you thought about them, maybe confine that thought to the teachers lounge. Students aren’t on equal footing with teachers, and if you fire a shot across their bow you’re putting them in a tough spot — they may not feel empowered to respond, or they may lash out inappropriately.
Remember, as a teacher you’re a community leader (whether you’re actually treated as one is a whole ‘nother topic). Your actions face higher scrutiny than those of the average citizen, so make sure to use discretion while you’re Tweeting.
Related stuff:
Believe me, one day you’ll regret all those bathroom mirror photos
Instructifeature: Social Networking in Schools
Instructifeature: An Educator’s Field Guide for Facebook
Photo credit: andycarvin on Flickr.
