Social Media FAQ's

Q&A on new Policies 1213.01, 3213.01, and 4213.01
“Communications with Students Via Electronic Media”
 

Understand what the new social media policy requires and to use district-approved electronic means when communicating with students regarding school matters. What, exactly, are district-approved electronic means?

District-approved methods for communicating electronically with students regarding school matters include PCS Portal, Moodle, and district e-mail (Outlook).

Which methods does the policy prohibit me from using when communicating with students regarding school matters?

The policy curtails use of personal methods of electronic communication including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Skype and cell phone messaging.

How do you define “school matters”?

”School matters” are those issues relating to a student’s attendance at a district school, including, but not limited to, grades, discipline, attendance, extra-curricular activities, and honors.  If you are unsure whether a topic relates to a “school matter,” ask yourself whether you would still be communicating with the student if the student did not attend your school – if the answer is no, then the matter is very likely a “school matter.”

What if I’m not sure if my communication is school-related?

If you’re not sure if your communication is school related, err on the side of caution. Use district-approved means to communicate the information. They key question to ask yourself is: What am I communicating? If you’re communicating anything that has to do with your school or another school or the district as a whole, you must use district-approved methods.

What if I’m communicating with a student who babysits my child?

If your communication is about your child and therefore not school related, you may use personal social media.  However, you should be careful to not allow the personal electronic communication to turn into a discussion of a school-related matter.  Also, please note that the policy states that your communications with students via private electronic media concerning non-school-related matters are governed in part by, and may lead to discipline under, Board Policies 1140, 3140, and 4140.  These policies relate to your ethical obligations and are discussed further in the last Q&A below.

What if I need to communicate with a student who attends my church about something happening with the congregation? Can I use my personal Facebook page to do that?

You can use personal social media resources in that instance. Again, the new policy pertains to school matters, but it also states that your communications with students via private electronic media concerning non-school-related matters are governed in part by, and may lead to discipline under, Board Policies 1140, 3140, and 4140.  

A student in my AP history class lives next door to me. Our families have been friends for years. We frequently communicate via Facebook about the Rays. Can I still do that?

Same answer as above.

What if I need to communicate with a student and, under the circumstances, only have access to my and the student’s private cell phones – an example would be if we are on a class field trip and the student becomes separated from the group?

The policy makes a limited exception to allow staff to use private electronic media, such as a cell phone, to communicate with students regarding school matters if, under the circumstances, district resources are not available and the use of private means is in the best interest of all concerned.  Under the field trip example above, the employee could call or text the student using a personal cell phone.

What if I want to communicate with a former student?

The same guidelines contained in this Q&A apply.

Does the new social media policy prohibit me from having a personal Facebook page?

No. You can maintain a personal Facebook page, but you should not use it to communicate with students about school matters. Any school matter should be communicated using district-approved resources ONLY.

I understand that there’s something in the policy that says even my private communication could be subject to review and possible disciplinary action. What does that mean?

The policy states that your communications with students via private electronic media concerning non-school-related matters are governed in part by, and may lead to discipline under, Board Policies 1140, 3140, and 4140.  These policies relate to your ethical obligations under Florida law.  You may review those policies on the district’s website for the specific prohibitions.  As one general test, you should refrain from recording anything in writing that you would not want held up to public scrutiny.  Examples of issues that have caused embarrassment to teachers in our district and in other districts, and in some cases to disciplinary action (even though through private means and not related to a school matter), have included:

• Participation in wet t-shirt contests
• Use of profanity in a communication
• Conversation about the abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Goings-on at a bachelorette party
   

A final note …

Always remember that as a professional, you are held to a higher standard. To be an effective educator, it is crucial that you maintain the respect of your students and their families. It is imperative that you maintain this higher standard not only in the classroom, but in your personal life as well, because what you do in private is subject to the state’s ethical code for teachers.