Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media

Maintaining professional boundaries in all forms of communication, technology-related or not, is vital to maintaining the public trust and appropriate professional relationships with students. 

The following is an excerpt taken from the Ontario College of Teachers Professional Advisory dated April, 2011 which sets out the standards for members when using electronic communications and social media.

"Electronic communication and social media create new options for extending and enhancing education.  However, as the number of channels of communication in society increases rapidly, so does the rate of misuse.  Professional boundaries can blur.  Even the most experienced members may be susceptible to unintentional mistakes."

Members must be aware of the numerous challenges and the ramifications associated with the use of electronic communication and social media.

Electronic communication and social media can be effective when used cautiously and professionally.  They serve a range of purposes, from helping students and parents/guardians access assignments and resources related to classroom studies to connecting with classrooms in other communities and countries.
Members also use the Internet and social networking sites as instructional tools and for professional development, seeking information on lesson plans, new developments and methodologies.

However, the most popular social media applications were not created specifically for educational purposes and their use can expose members to risk when it comes to maintaining professionalism.  It is up to members to know and respect proper professional boundaries with students, even when students initiate electronic interaction.
Electronic messages are not anonymous.  They can be tracked, misdirected, manipulated and live forever on the Internet.  Social media sites create and archive copies of every piece of content posted, even when deleted from online profiles.  Once information is digitized, the author relinquishes all control. 
The use of the Internet and social media, despite best intentions, may cause members to forget their professional responsibilities and the unique position of trust and authority given to them by society.  The dynamic between a member and a student is forever changed when the two become "friends" in an online environment.
Members should never share information with students in any environment that they would not willingly and appropriately share in a school or school-related setting or in the community.

The College's disciplinary process is based on the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair hearing.  However, intentional or inadvertent misuse of social media and electronic communication could have serious disciplinary consequences professionally.
Inappropriate on-line, e-mail and telephone conversations between members and others, including students, colleagues, parents/guardians, employers, family and friends, expose members to the possibility of disciplinary action.

Generally ETFO supports the College's efforts to send the message to teachers that they must be careful about their use of electronic media, even during off duty conduct  if it impacts on the school community, since this can also attract College intervention.

Members should always remember that electronic media is a two way street: yes, it is a powerful tool for educational purposes but it is also subject to abuse.  We have seen an increased prevalence of cyberbullying by electronic media in the education community.  This bullying can be student to student, parents to teachers, student to teacher, colleague to colleague.  The law now recognizes that students can be disciplined for this even if it occurs off school grounds (Education Act amendments).   With new amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the law also recognizes that teachers have greater rights to safety at work from harassment.

Members should be able to answer this:  How does my online presence - that which I control and that which is posted by others - reflect my professionalism, and how does it reflect on the teaching profession?  It is up to members to know and respect proper professional boundaries with students, even when students initiate electronic interaction.  Teachers should check to make sure that they are utilizing the highest privacy settings for content and photos.