The Ostrich Approach Is Not the Wisest (Teachers & Social Networking - Part 3)

The safe use of a social network is all about common sense and the knowledge of application settings. But those who think that refusing to join sites like MySpace or Facebook will keep them out of trouble are deluding themselves. With digital cameras all over the place, and with Blackberries and iPhones able to take a picture and immediately post it to any website, stepping out of your home can be a foray into cyberspace.

Protecting Yourself Goes Beyond Avoidance

Educators could be at-risk even they don't have social networking accounts. Consider a story I heard recently about a department that held a party at a member's home. Pictures were taken of educators partaking in libations. All were of legal age, mind you, but some pictures (while not inappropriate) made it clear that the participants were enjoying themselves. One of the attendees, Sue, posted the pictures on her Facebook account so other department members could see them. Sue does not "friend" students as a professional policy.

Cary, another educator, commented on some of Sue's pictures. Sue's Facebook settings allowed "friends of friends" to see pictures (Sue wasn't Facebook friends with all attendees), so anyone who commented on Sue's pictures then made it possible for his or her friends to view them, as well. Unfortunately, Cary did "friend" students, a few of whom saved some pictures to their computers, and then printed, photocopied and pasted them around the school. It was embarrassing and scandalous for the department and its teachers, even for those who didn't have Facebook accounts.

Students Create Fan/Hate Pages for Teachers – Online or Not

Also, students have taken to creating fan and hate groups for teachers, as well. Facebook is loaded with them. While I roll my eyes at mine, featuring a picture taken with a cell phone, I have a collegue whose students found pictures of him from his 15^th high school reunion (holding a pint) and post them on his fan page (which has over eighty students on it). Keep in mind, not only does he not have a Facebook account, he still eschews cable in the name of the rabbit ears attenna.

Be Careful Who You Friend

I would be lying if I said that everyone on my list of Facebook friends had judgment that I trusted completely. In one instance, I knew that it would be extremely awkward if I rejected a fringe friend asking me to be friended. But I told myself that at least I would be aware of what this person was posting and wouldn't be caught off guard. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don't.

Legal Perspective

My school district's attorney emphasizes extreme caution in protecting oneself. He suggests that educators do not respond to student e-mails outside of school hours. This practice may seem foreign in our digital age, but it's designed to prevent the development of a culture where educators are expected to answer questions around the clock. The attorney also emphasizes erring on the side of caution and seeing teenage students as the courts see them - as the equivalent of adolescent toddlers. He discouraged text messaging whenever possible, and advised against the use of social networking sites and forums at all.

Obviously, professional judgment must prevail, as certain circumstances require after-hours communication and going beyond just face-to-face interaction. It seems to me, however, that establishing boundaries allows educators the benefit of enjoying a social networking site, while keeping it separate from their career. This doesn't mean that anything tawdry is happening, but some don't care for students to have the same access to their personal life that is granted their friends.

Professional Networking vs. Social Networking

I was excited when CR4 once considered launching a social network because I knew it would be student-free. There are also sites like The English Companion Ning, which is designed specifically for English teachers. CR4 and Ning would let me keep up with people at work, but most of my friends and relatives aren't engineers or English teachers. Plus, I see people at work every day. So how much additional networking did I need? That's where I decided to give Facebook a shot. And so far, I'm happy I did. Am I asking for trouble, or should educators be able to make social networking work for them, too?

Related Readings:

Part 1 – Are Social Networking Sites a Carreer Ender for Educators?

Part 2 – Is Social Networking for Educators a Bad Idea? (Part 2)

Part 3 – The Ostrich Approach Is Not the Wisest (Teachers & Social Networking - Part 3)