Teachers as Facebook friends...what do you think about that?

Kelly - posted on 02/03/2009

I can see both sides to this dilema.

For me, I think it would depend on what kind of contact they had. I would be leery about casual one on one conversations. but, if there was school/class realted issues like homework assignments, class problems, etc, I think I would cautious but, would probably allow it.

But, I would still discuss how sometimes the line between safe student/teacher relationships and inapropriate ones can be easily crossed in this type of situation. I would also monitor the interaction between the teacher and his students.  anything inapporopriate and I would pull the plug on the interaction immediatley and contact the necessary  authorities.

Shelly - posted on 02/03/2009

OK before you jump to any concutions have you read any of the post between the two of them or check here friends walls to see what he has posted on theres???  Yes there are times to worry about older men comunicating with your daughter but if there is'nt any thing inappropriate between them or any of the other friends on her face book..then maybe he has just found a way to keep kids interested in class.  And I say good for him

Raelene - posted on 02/02/2009

I think its harmless!!! , in my opinion only, i think a little trust goes a long way- i believe if u raise your children right then at the age of 12yrs old they should well and truely know when somebodys being inappropriate with them or not.. but i guess it depends on what they have been taught about predators, maybe educate your daughter about the dangers instead of being concerned with a teacher being a friend to her, if she was the only pupil on his friends lists, then this maybe a concern, but if other kids r on his list,plus his family and friends, i think going to the headmaster is getting just a bit carried away! u can always ask your daughter too remove the teacher of her friends list..

Lori - posted on 02/02/2009

Both my daughters have 'friended' several of their teachers on Facebook. Granted, they're a little older - 14 and 17 - and in high school. But since I am ALSO a friend on Facebook, I can monitor ALL communications with EVERYBODY - and there's never been anything inappropriate. In fact, my one daughter reminded one teacher about a college application reference on 'the wall' - and the teacher responded on 'the wall' in full public view. It's more 'open' than e-mail, in alot of ways. Unless you see or feel anything inappropriate is going on, I'd give the teacher the benefit of the doubt and adopt the 'new technology' as just another way to communicate!! OMO.

Leah - posted on 02/02/2009

Thank you all for your suggestions. We have spoken with our daughter about this again, and she has come to see our perspective. I plan to bring this up with the teacher from the perspective that he may be putting himself in a controversial position without realizing he is doing this.

Take care.

Tina - posted on 02/01/2009

As a mom and a teacher, I have mixed opinions. I mainly use FB as a way to connect with my adult friends and family.  It would see really weird to have my students there also.  But, I learned about FB through educational technology journals.  A lot of articles promote it as a way to connect with and motivate students that are so technology oriented.  However, I would think that if a teacher was using it that way he or she would not mix it with their personal life. Perhaps, this teacher just doesn't have the common sense to do that.  Men often seem to lack this "parent sense".  I wouldn't assume the worse, but maybe this teacher could benefit from your guidance in this area. Be blunt.  If he hadn't considered it before, he needs to be flat out told it's weird to mix your personal life with school life. And the way things are now, it's not very wise of him professionally.  If he doesn't get that or is dismissive of your opinion, then take it to the principal.

Kathy - posted on 02/01/2009

Teachers as fb friends has been in the media lately. It is apparently not uncommon for teachers to try connecting with their students online. I wish I knew where I had read about this and I would post a link for you. Does this teacher have many students as 'friends'? Is it a mix of boys and girls? Bottom line is if you're not comfortable with this, you need to talk to your daughter about why you feel it is inappropriate and remove the teacher from her friend list. I agree that you should explain your concerns to the teacher. Something along the lines of blurring the teacher/student relationship. I recently told my son that I like our family doctor, but don't want to be his friend so that there's no conflict of interest.

Jennifer - posted on 02/01/2009

I agree a bit odd.

Would you allow her to have the Adult Male grocery clerk/ Fed EX man/or Pizza Delivery person as her friend just because the page looks legit or the "other children" in your neighborhood are on it....I don't think so.

We are programmed to be suspicious as parents. I say simply if IN YOUR OWN GUT you have an "odd" feeling --ALWAYS go with That instinct.

Maybe not by directly approaching the school board, (as it may very well be inoccent). But have your child REMOVE the teacher/ADULT MALE from her friends. Problem solved for your child & your feeling of an inappropriate relationship.

Discuss it amongst other parents and bring it directly to the attention of the teacher.

If he is resonable and truely inclined towards the CHILDRENS' BEST INTERESTS, he'll understand your viewpoint and evaluate his conduct through your eyes.