School Districts Debate Facebook Friending Among Teachers, Students

The AP (4/19) reports that nationwide, school districts are questioning whether students and teachers should be Facebook friends "as they seek to balance the risks of inappropriate contact with the academic benefits of social networking." For example, "At least 40 school districts nationwide have approved social media policies," while "schools in New York City and Florida have disciplined teachers for Facebook activity, and Missouri legislators recently acquiesced to teachers' objections to a strict statewide policy." The AP notes that some teachers argue that "social media - in particular Facebook - can be a vital educational resource if used appropriately, especially because it's a primary means of communication for today's youngsters."