Some schools are now adopting a program to keep tabs on students’ posts on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. If it means enhancing our kids’ safety, count me in!
Bill Rogers, the chair of the local school board in Florida, shared, “We keep an eye out for keywords that could signal danger, such as ‘gun,’ ‘attack,’ or ‘kill.’” The school board also stated, “Given that social media can often be a breeding ground for bullying, threats, or hidden cries for help, we find it necessary to monitor public forums where anyone can see these comments.”
Navigating parenting in this digital age brings a host of new challenges regarding our children’s safety online. One recurring debate is the privacy of students concerning social media and the school’s role in overseeing these accounts. Some argue that monitoring is solely a parental responsibility, while others believe schools should step in, as online actions can easily affect students’ lives on campus. I’m firmly in the latter camp—feel free to check up on my kids’ social media if it helps keep them safe!
Of course, not every parent is on board with this initiative. One mom recently said, “It’s not the school’s job to parent.” I get it; they’re not here to raise our kids. But this isn’t about parenting; it’s about ensuring safety for students, faculty, and staff on school grounds. If a school can find a way to lessen potential dangers and prevent tragedies, they should absolutely pursue it.
And as for privacy? Let’s be real. Anything your child posts online should never be treated as “private.” If privacy is a concern, suggest they write in a diary and hide it under their mattress. In 2015, social media is anything but private, no matter how secure you think your settings are. Have you heard of screenshots? It’s high time to wake up, parents!
My daughter is just eight, and I know the day will come when she’ll explore social media. As a parent, I can only do so much to keep her safe. I would actually welcome her school implementing this kind of monitoring program; it could also help curb bullying. Kids today have endless ways to torment each other online—there’s no escaping it. With just a swipe of a screen, the bullying can follow them home. Schools can’t act like it’s still the ‘80s! If social media is where harmful behavior begins, it’s critical for schools to keep a lookout.
Sure, not every post with these “key words” indicates a threat or trouble. I’d bet most don’t. If your child mentions “guns” in a post about a video game, like Call of Duty, I’m confident the school will recognize it as harmless. The goal isn’t to punish students for innocent remarks but to identify and stop a potential crisis before it escalates. Plus, if your child hasn’t locked down their social media accounts, anyone—including the school—could see what they post. As a parent, I appreciate any help I can get in safeguarding my kids.
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In summary, while the debate over privacy and monitoring in schools continues, prioritizing student safety should be our main focus. The digital landscape has changed so much; it’s essential for schools to adapt and protect their students.