What should I say if my students ask whether they can email or text me or include me as a "friend” on their social networking profile?
As a general rule, you should exercise caution when it comes to communicating with students and former students using the internet or mobiles.
For example, you should only use official school email accounts or virtual learning platforms to talk to current students online so that any communication is logged.
You should also only communicate on school matters as personal communication could be considered inappropriate and in breach of your professional code of conduct.
As the boundaries between the online and offline worlds blur, however, your students might try to include you in their "friends” list on their online social network or get hold of your personal email address or mobile number. This could be harmless but it's important that you keep a professional distance online, just as you would in the offline world, and not include them as "friends”.
If you have a mobile with Bluetooth technology, you could be at risk of "Bluejacking” (where another Bluetooth user in your vicinity can send you a message without knowing your number) or "Bluesnarfing” (where another Bluetooth user can access your mobile and steal things like your contact list, emails, texts and photos).
Ultimately, email or phone communications between you and a student that are deemed to fall outside of agreed school guidelines might lead to disciplinary action or a criminal investigation.
Here are a few tips to help you stay in control:
- Keep your personal email address, Instant Messenger ID, mobile number and social networking ID private and don't use them for communications with your students.
- If your Bluetooth is not switched off by default, switch it off and set it to refuse connections when you are at work.
- If, despite your best efforts, your personal contact details fall into the wrong hands and a student makes contact with you, let a senior manager and your school's e-safety co-ordinator know immediately.
- If calls or texts to your mobile are persistent, let your mobile network provider know too so that they can investigate and take the appropriate action.
- If you receive anonymous emails, IMs or messages on your social networking profile that you think could be from a student - or if you feel you are being harassed or bullied online - report it to a senior manager and contact your internet service or social networking provider so that they can investigate and take the appropriate action. You can find more information in the Cyberbullying section of this website.
Where can I find out more?