Missouri Law: Teachers Cannot Be "Friends" With Students

[BlueFan]

I was at an educational conference a while back and I was suprised by the number of teacher/school districts that promote some type of social media contact between teachers and individual students. Not Facebook necessarily, but more into blogs and other interactive web sites. If they teach a full schedule most of this has to be done outside of school hours. When do teachers get down time??

[sweet16]

As a teacher I will not friend any current student. As soon as they graduate it is different. I hardly ever post anything on there but I love to be able to keep up with my former players and current friends.

[True blue (and gold)]

I use Facebook regularly as a teacher as an educational communication tool. Many students message me questions concerning homework, school activities, etc.

[Beechwoodfan]

1. I agree that it is a waste of time and money to legislate this. I have no problem with it being a condition of employment. If teachers want to be interactive with their students after hours, there are better ways than Facebook to do it.

 

2. I am not a teacher. I have, however seen a lot of the crazy stupid stuff young folks post. If I was a teacher, I would not want the responsibility that comes with knowing what some of these kids post. As a parent, I would be wary of teachers who were my kids friends on Facebook before graduation. After graduation, I think it is a great way for teachers/students to keep in touch.

[gchs_uk9]

I know one of my son's teachers has a rule that he will be friend a student until graduation. I think I would adopt the same policy if I was a teacher.

 

That's my rule as well.

[MJAlltheWay24]

I'm with the crew that doesn't think it should be a state law, but rather a district mandate. Facebook wasn't around when I was in high school (makes me feel/sound old) but I am glad I've been able to reconnect with former teachers on there since.

[Qryche11]

My 6th grade Teacher from 1982 accepted my friend request and she is still smokin hot. lol

[hoops5]

I use Facebook regularly as a teacher as an educational communication tool. Many students message me questions concerning homework, school activities, etc.

I am ok with teachers "friending" students. The kids pay attention to what is on facebook, so communication that way can be a good thing. I think that the more kids are aware that teachers can see what they are posting, it will help keep their posts clear of profaniity, sexual content, drinking/drug references, etc.

I tell my kids all the time that they need to be cautious on the posts with language, photos, gossip, etc. I have explained that anyone can see it---coaches, teachers, future colleges, etc. What happens on facebook---stays on facebook.

As long as the teachers are using the PAN approach, I am ok with it. (Public--Appropriate--Non-sexual).

[PepRock01]

Don't see why the law is needed. Waste of time and money.

 

My perspective exactly. Also there was something that I heard on the radio this morning that the teachers aren't supposed to "friend" former students that have graduated either. That right there should get this tossed out in court. I know the ACLU is going to fight this and I can't blame them.

[madman]

I am ok with teachers "friending" students. The kids pay attention to what is on facebook, so communication that way can be a good thing. I think that the more kids are aware that teachers can see what they are posting, it will help keep their posts clear of profaniity, sexual content, drinking/drug references, etc.

I tell my kids all the time that they need to be cautious on the posts with language, photos, gossip, etc. I have explained that anyone can see it---coaches, teachers, future colleges, etc. What happens on facebook---stays on facebook.

As long as the teachers are using the PAN approach, I am ok with it. (Public--Appropriate--Non-sexual).

 

I totally agree. I see nothing wrong with being friends of your students. I provides another means for us to connect to the students. Heck, alot of teachers give their cell number to their students. Is that wrong?

[titletownclown]

I use Facebook regularly as a teacher as an educational communication tool. Many students message me questions concerning homework, school activities, etc.

 

Bingo!! The MO law is "knee jerk" "reactionism" at its best. I expect MO to outlaw automobiles for teachers next because teachers may use them to transact an illicit activity with one of his/her students.

 

Big Brother, take care of us in all endeavors in life.. Oh wait... I meant to say "Big Brother die and rot in hell". My bad........

[CatsCatsCats]

I've been on the job 1 day and already had friend requests. Had some at Raceland last semester too. I will not add them, I tell them I will when they graduate. Only bad can come from adding students to facebook. I see no positive that can come out the situation.

[Bengals>Steelers]

I've been on the job 1 day and already had friend requests. Had some at Raceland last semester too. I will not add them, I tell them I will when they graduate. Only bad can come from adding students to facebook. I see no positive that can come out the situation.

 

100% agree. I cant really see how anyone could think differently. If I was a teacher, there is zero chance that I would be friends with any student. Once they graduate then it's whatever, but not until then.

[formerkywrestler]

I've been on the job 1 day and already had friend requests. Had some at Raceland last semester too. I will not add them, I tell them I will when they graduate. Only bad can come from adding students to facebook. I see no positive that can come out the situation.

This seems like a positive. :idunno:

 

I use Facebook regularly as a teacher as an educational communication tool. Many students message me questions concerning homework, school activities, etc.

[HammerTime]

My perspective exactly. Also there was something that I heard on the radio this morning that the teachers aren't supposed to "friend" former students that have graduated either. That right there should get this tossed out in court. I know the ACLU is going to fight this and I can't blame them.

 

That is absurd.