Should schools monitor students’ social media posts?
Author: Rick Phelan
Published: 02.19.14
Social media is becoming an important communications tool for students in K-12 school environments. Students are increasingly using Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media to network and interact through. In response to the recent SCOE Bulletin on Social Media (pdf), some educators are now raising questions about the role of schools in monitoring student social media posts.
There are varied opinions with well-reasoned rationales for monitoring or not monitoring social media. This post shares some different views and invites continued discussion of the topic. The quotes are excerpted from the December/January issue of the International Society for Technology in Education magazine, Learning & Leading with Technology.
YES! Schools should monitor student social media posts
“Schools need to offer guidance and support to students in the world of social media; schools are irresponsible if they let students set their own norms. The adult members of a school community have a responsibility to model appropriate behavior to our students, guide them when their behavior strays from acceptable norms, and provide a safe space for experimentation and boundary testing as well as a recourse from irreversible consequences when things really go bad.”
—J.D. Ferries-Rowe, Brefeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
“In loco parentis is a legal doctrine under which school systems assume parental rights, duties, and obligations. It has shaped the rights and responsibilities of schools and teachers for centuries. Just as educators check for comprehension and application of curricula, districts should monitor the public posts of those under their care and supervision.”
—Arlen Walker, Idaho State University
NO! Schools should not monitor student social media posts
“Social media posts are the modern day equivalent of conversation. If there was a proposal to monitor all words that came out of students’ mouths just in case there was bullying or threats to student safety, there would be a public outcry that this violated freedom of speech. Social media needs to be included in the updated interpretation of speech as defined by our first amendment.”
—Stacey Guney, Austin Community College
“Monitoring students’ social media posts is not an effective way to teach digital citizenship—it is an after the fact action. Schools would do better to spend time up front helping students become mindful citizens and humans so that online interactions can be civil, playful, helpful, and supportive. Mistakes will be made but, like all mistakes, will offer opportunities for engaged and wise teachers to help students reflect and learn.”
—Steve Taffee, San Francisco Education Consultant
WELL? What’s your view?
What’s you view on the role of schools monitoring social media? What roles do schools have in the area of digital citizenship?
Blog: Technology for Learners
