Facebook, kids and public schools

[jams]

Luckily since I teach computers to 4th graders we don't have to deal with FB yet- give them another year or two.

Typically if the incident happens on school time or equipment, the school will handle the problem. If the incident is of greater magnitude (making threats etc.), then the local police dept. needs to get involved. All school have or should have whats called an Acceptable Use Policy. It spells out what students are allowed to do on district computers and the consequences for breaking the rules.

If the incident happens outside of the school day, it is not directly our problem but we would typically be briefed since there will naturally be carryover into the school day. This is more of an awareness, and not disciplinary action.

Unfortunately, some schools go overboard and take to much control. We teach a program called I-Safe where we teach students about INTERNET safety, proper etiquette, the proper use of social networking sites and more.

Here is another school of thought. We spend so much time filtering websites, images and social networking sites to protect students are we really paying them a disservice? If we simply prevent them from accessing the websites at school are we really addressing the problem. once they get home they are going to to do what they want anyway.

Maybe it would be better to embrace these sites to show students how to properly use them instead of turning a blind eye and simply saying don't use it!

[Tommy]

Originally Posted by jams

Maybe it would be better to embrace these sites to show students how to properly use them instead of turning a blind eye and simply saying don't use it!

I agree. The incident that inspired this thread occurred entirely outside of school between people using Iphones. ... As an aside, I've had to explain to several younger family members what happens when they sign up as a fan of something on Facebook. They didn't realize it was a way for advertisers to access their pages and friends lists.