Today social networks, as tools of Internet communication have become instrumental in establishing social connections. This includes contact between the teachers and the students, an area of controversy in present society because of questions of professionalism, ethical issues, and often legal issues. Even if getting connections with students on social networks could be seen as useful or at least non-dangerous for the educational process, it causes many questions concerning professionalism, private life and legal issues.
The Legal Perspective
It has been established that the ability to communicate with students and teachers on social media depends on the legal systems of the country , state or the school district. However, in many areas of the world, there is no legal ban against teachers establishing friendship with students on social networking sites. But in many cases there exist strict regulations regarding the possibility of such relations preventing the violation of the integrity of the teacher-student bond.
There are a few jurisdictions that have even passed legislation that either frowns on or even prohibits teachers and students from communicating through social media. For example, Missouri state suggested some laws that limit such communication stressing the possible improper relations or mere misinterpretation. These laws, however, are not isolated and raise increasing awareness of the protection of both students and teachers.
Ethical considerations and roles, responsibilities and boundaries.
Despite the fact that ethical considerations come into force even in the absence of these laws they are rather critical. Being a teacher is a position of authority and there should be no mixed up of the teacher with the students other than academic interests.
Possible Threats associated with Social Connections through Social Media Sites
Privacy Issues: In this regards it was found that teachers and students unknowingly compromise privacy, thereby causing privacy violations.
Miscommunication: Part of the communication which takes place on social media platform is informal; hence such a message can easily be misunderstood or misinterpreted.
Inappropriate Behavior: The freedom that comes from using social media might lead toskými rude interactions.
Favoritism and Bias: Other students can develop prejudices that other students in the class have preferred treatment because of connections in the public domain.
Advantages of Interacting in Trade Social Sites
While there are risks, social media can also offer potential benefits when used responsibly:
Educational Support: These can be used to post and exchange string and paper work reminders and updates of schoolwork.
Engagement: For example, it is possible to use Facebook or Instagram in order to integrate the information given in the lessons into practice.
Mentorship: To students in higher classes, class teachers can link them up to professional social sites like Facebook Linked in and guide them well in career development.
Teacher Recommendations for Teachers Using Social Media
To navigate the complexities of social media interactions with students, teachers should follow these best practices:
Adhere to School Policies: It is very important to always read the school or district’s rules and regulation regarding use of social media.
Use Professional Accounts: For purposes of separating the two, it is advisable to open another account or use a third one, not commonly used, for work-related purposes.
Limit Communication: Conduct the use of Social Media Limited to education and refrain from engaging in personal debates.
Document Interactions: Record all correspondence for a playing field to be level.
Set Boundaries: State and enforce acceptable behavioral standards and expectations for a student and his/her parents.
Parental Involvement
Guardians are involved in monitoring the social media accounts that their children use … Students should be told if a teacher intends to incorporate social media technology into the teaching process. Direct parent teacher and student interaction imply that there will be little confrontation between the parents and the school administration.
FAQs: Teachers turning to friends with the students.
1. Can teachers befriend their students on social media marketplace?
No , it is not limited by the law for it is not unlawful in every nation. However, there are most probably regulations in some states or school districts that do not allow such contacts. Teachers and professors should thus always check what the current legislation has on the matter as well as the local school rules.
2. What is the danger of students adding teachers and vice-versa?
Potential issues and/or risks of participative communication include invasion of privacy, misunderstanding, staff perception of bias, and professionally inappropriate touching.
3. Is it good for educational processes to use social networks?
Yes, but if implemented correctly social media can be used to contribute resources, updates and increase engagement in learning. In this case, teachers should open professional accounts for such a reason.
4. Should teachers use social media with students: are there prohibitions?
In order to prevent situations involving abuse of the teacher-student relationship or misunderstandings some territories have made legislation against interactions of teachers and students in social networks.
5. What should teachers do to exhibit professionalism while using this platform?
Teachers should follow school rules, be courteous, communicate only for educational concerns, do not build ‘friendship’ with students or be their friend on any social network site.
6. What can parents do to make sure that interactions through the different social media sites between teachers and students are safe?
The parent should be aware of their child’s use of the social networking sites and be slow to adopt new policies in school as they relate to social media use and be in constant communication with his teacher over use of social networking sites.