If you're a student living in Missouri, you'd better not be Facebook friends with any of your teachers – that will soon be illegal.
According to Missouri Senate Bill 54 that goes into effect on August 28, any social networking — not just Facebook — is prohibited between teachers and students. It's all part of an effort to "more clearly define teacher-student boundaries." However, KSPR reports that It's only direct social media contact that's prohibited; teachers are allowed to create Facebook Pages where all students have direct access to the teacher in a more public setting.
Inappropriate contact between students and teachers is at the root of the legislation. Senate Bill 54 is designed to protect children from sexual misconduct by teachers, compelling school districts to adopt written policies between teachers and students on electronic media, social networking and other forms of communication.
Teachers and students usually shouldn't be friends, anyway, so on the surface this sounds like a good idea. However, we wonder how this will be policed. Will the state be allowed access to Facebook accounts, personal computers or Internet service provider records to see who's befriending teachers or students? Inappropriate relationships will be hard to detect, especially since teachers and students engaged in such relationships would probably be concealing their communications, electronic or otherwise.
The question now is, will this new law pass a constitutional test? And who would step forward to challenge it?
I have never 'friended' students on Facebook...That is my private space, shared with my friends and relatives. I give 90 percent of my life to my students...That is the 10 percent I keep solely for myself. However, I am not sure it is the State's place to legislate this...And I have to wonder how long it will be until Kansas follows suit? I suppose this comes as a result of adults acting like friends with children, instead of leading them in the mature, adult manner that they're supposed to...When those lines become blurred, then I guess it's necessary to re-establish them. It just seems a bit of an overkill for the State to legislate it...I would have rather seen school boards make that decision and then be forced to find some way to enforce it.
You are spot on, Cat. This should be left to the school boards, not the state. If all were like you, there would be no need for state legislation. I can, however, see where they are going with this. The schools here have websites in which students can post messages for teachers as to clarification of homework assignments, etc. Teachers can post classroom notices and such, but it is not used for private messages. Basically, it works like a forum and the school is the administrator and can allow or disallow any messages not deemed appropriate.
Larryj
Larry,
For once, I respectfully disagree with you. Seems as though these days it's quite fashionable for teachers (both male & female ) the jump in out of bed with their students. Seems as though most of the time it starts with either Face Book or text messages. Put a stop to it all.
Jar...The habit of treating students as "friends" instead of students is where that kind of sickness gets started...Not Facebook...But I will agree that Facebook exaserbates the issue. I don't think that teachers should EVER 'friend' students, under any circumstances, on Facebook. I don't believe in treating my students as my "friend" at school, either. Once you've begun treating them as "friend", it undermines your ability to maintain discipline in the classroom. I have always been known as a strict teacher...I don't ever have any problems with a lack of respect in my room. It all goes back to commanding the respect of your students (not demanding it) through your actions. It's hard to give that level of respect to nothing more than a "friend".
Quote from: Catwoman on July 31, 2011, 06:26:00 PM
Jar...The habit of treating students as "friends" instead of students is where that kind of sickness gets started...Not Facebook...But I will agree that Facebook exaserbates the issue. I don't think that teachers should EVER 'friend' students, under any circumstances, on Facebook. I don't believe in treating my students as my "friend" at school, either. Once you've begun treating them as "friend", it undermines your ability to maintain discipline in the classroom. I have always been known as a strict teacher...I don't ever have any problems with a lack of respect in my room. It all goes back to commanding the respect of your students (not demanding it) through your actions. It's hard to give that level of respect to nothing more than a "friend".
Oh No---to borrow a quote from Pam--the devil has frost bite because hell just froze over. We DO AGREE on something---finally :angel:
LOL... ;D...Doesn't surprise me...Fishermen can't be wrong ALL the time! lol ;)
Jarhead, you most definitely have the right to disagree, either respectively or otherwise. I am not sure what part you are disagreeing with, though. Maybe I didn't get it said like I should. I am saying that if all teachers had the same standards as Cat, state legislation would not be necessary.
I don't know how many teachers and students get involved with each other. I only hear of the ones that make the evening news. I had two teachers in my school years that were on a more personal level with me. One was a 22 year old Chemistry teacher in high school who was also the sponsor of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. I got elected President of the MYF and had to spend some time with her working on projects and such. She was gorgeous and I was in love, but we were only partners as far as the church group was concerned, not equals nor even on the same social level. After I graduated from that school, she then kept in touch with a Christmas card every year for a few years. Possibly, this happened because my mother was a teacher in the same school district and they knew each other well. Recently, another graduate and I got in touch via Facebook and he had "friended" her recently. She is now in her 70's and living in Nebraska and doing just fine. The other one was an elderly Physics teacher who took me aside and told me that I was a good student and that he appreciated my classroom work and homework assignments being up to snuff. He was also a neighbor in that small town and I would do odd jobs for him as he was somewhat frail. There are teachers that you remember always and remember their names and cherish the good memories of them.
Larryj
I understand what you're saying, Larry. You had teachers who were friendly. Every kid needs teachers who are kind, compassionate, friendly. But being friends goes deeper than that description, which is rightfully on a more superficial level. I had teachers that I became friends with, later on in life, that had been friendly to me as a child. The vast, vast majority of teachers wouldn't dream of doing anything to a child, much less anything that was going to be of a variety to land them on the evening news. The pedophiles who prey on children and make the nightly news are, thankfully, extremely rare. And no. I don't buy it that they were 'in love'. Sorry. It's a sickness on their part.
I get it too Cat.
My chemistry teacher and I were very good friends when I was in high school. He worked for my father in the summer. I also was good friends with my science teacher, who was one of my inspirations to become a teacher myself. My Latin teacher, my social studies teacher and my fourth grade teacher all took art classes at my mom's studio. I saw them outside of school, which does change the relationship a little. BUT adding sex to any mix involving kids is wrong, wrong, wrong.
Something has changed about kids and sexuality in general. The word "casual" has invaded too many areas of our lives, sex included. Parents who let their daughters dress too provocatively don't help matters. Is shouldn't matter, but it does. When I see how some young adults show up for job interviews I'm shocked!
Of course, any group of people who are expected to be trusted should be held to a higher standard, but I hate it when the labeling is used by some to make an angry point. Not all priests are pedophiles either but they have been horribly tarnished because of recent events .Court awards and economics have made some diocese so bankrupt they have had to close their schools.
An entire group should not be indited by anyone because of the actions of a very few. To me that shows immaturity and lack of depth, and perhaps lack of intelligence.
I agree with you, especially about the provocative dress on the part of girls...My mama always said that amounted to advertising...And the girl had better be ready when that ad is answered.
Quote from Diane:
An entire group should not be indited by anyone because of the actions of a very few. To me that shows immaturity and lack of depth, and perhaps lack of intelligence.
Diane,
As this statement seems to be directed at me I did not lump ALL teachers into a group of pervs. I meant, it's seems to be the flavor of the day for a select few. If you think that the ones who get busted and have their mugs plastered on the evening news are the only ones doing the "Big No-No" then that shows "a persons lack of depth and perhaps their lack of intelligence". Probably a minuscule percentage of teachers but even one is one too many. As to my lack of intelligence, ol Sarge has told you that over and over ---and he aint windy !!!!
In no way did I mean you, why would you think that? I was writing in general terms only, as I assumed you were. I even went back to reread what you had written.
There are those who who do jump in and toss labels around and generalize when it isn't appropriate. As I said, people who are in positions where trust is assumed just must not break that trust and yet some few do. That's why it makes news. Perhaps the youth of some is a factor, I'm too old to relate to that. I do know a few young friends who talk like sex is no big deal. Happens very casually and see no problem with anybody, anytime, anyway. After all it's "just sex." That's too much for me!
I don't like it when teachers in general are targeted as a bunch of commie bad guys. That stinks.
Poke fun if you want, just be sure we know it's meant to be good natured.You and Sarge do it, but unfortunately you won't let some of the rest of us do the same thing. It does get out of hand and there is a double standard. I've quit a couple of the long threads because of that. It's no longer debate it's just anger, and that doesn't solve anything.
Quote from: Diane Amberg on August 01, 2011, 09:13:52 AM
Something has changed about kids and sexuality in general. The word "casual" has invaded too many areas of our lives, sex included. Parents who let their daughters dress too provocatively don't help matters. Is shouldn't matter, but it does. When I see how some young adults show up for job interviews I'm shocked!
Your absolutely right. its called Government education! Used to be that they didn't hand out condoms, and give tacit approval to the kids by the literature and education given in sex ed classes. Used to be that you were told don't and most didn't and the ones that didn't were the ones who faced the consequences of their actions. No one came along and said its ok, we'll take care of you....
Well Diane,I guess if you weren't pointing your finger at me then I apologize for stepping on your toes-------BUT---I repeat again---you seem to be sly like a fox and always seem to have a way out of a trap if you step in it ;)
I'm entitled to my opinion regardless. I know you don't like me and that's your business. Apology accepted.
Steve, how long ago was "Uncle" so and so preying on young girls? That goes back to even when I was a kid and before, and that was FAMILY! (not mine) The girls were just quietly sent away. My own piano teacher was an octopus! and that was back in the 50's.
If you think kids don't have sex just because some one said no, I'll show you a lot of of pregnant girls in terrible circumstances. If girls could get the boys pregnant, things would change in a hurry! Condoms also help prevent diseases too. The STD rate in this country is awful! If nobody teaches all the STDs and how to prevent them, the kids don't have a fair chance. Even my own parents never taught us anything about STDs.
I also never thought the boys poking each other in the locker room and laughing about "who has the clap now" was very cute.
If it never needed to be taught, then why did the military always show "those films?" Do they still? Why did/does the military leave illegitimate kids all over the world? Shouldn't they already know how to behave? It should be a non issue but it isn't.
Quote from: Diane Amberg on August 01, 2011, 07:01:51 PM
I'm entitled to my opinion regardless. I know you don't like me and that's your business. Apology accepted.
Steve, how long ago was "Uncle" so and so preying on young girls? That goes back to even when I was a kid and before, and that was FAMILY! (not mine) The girls were just quietly sent away. My own piano teacher was an octopus! and that was back in the 50's.
If you think kids don't have sex just because some one said no, I'll show you a lot of of pregnant girls in terrible circumstances. If girls could get the boys pregnant, things would change in a hurry! Condoms also help prevent diseases too. The STD rate in this country is awful! If nobody teaches all the STDs and how to prevent them, the kids don't have a fair chance. Even my own parents never taught us anything about STDs.
I grew up in the "promiscuous age" 60's. Thats when it all went to hell. The stds were low back then you know cause folks were afraid of contracting them. the worse thing they ever did for slowing the sex down was to find a treatment for them. And those folks uncle so and so were not common everyday things. That increased with humanist teachings in our schools. Gotta thank the 50's generation for that one!
QuoteI also never thought the boys poking each other in the locker room and laughing about "who has the clap now" was very cute.
I don't know what school you went to but none of the boys did any of that. Sorry but queers were not out and about back then. They kept it to themselves.
QuoteIf it never needed to be taught, then why did the military always show "those films?" Do they still? Why did/does the military leave illegitimate kids all over the world? Shouldn't they already know how to behave? It should be a non issue but it isn't.
Show what films? I would say a lot of it is war. But your assuming that all military went out and screwed everything that stood still long enough which is simply not true.
Quote from: Diane Amberg on August 01, 2011, 07:01:51 PM
I know you don't like me and that's your business.
I also never thought the boys poking each other in the locker room and laughing about "who has the clap now" was very cute.
Diane ,I don't even know you so how can I know if I would like you or not? Now on to more serious business. What was you doing in the boys locker room to even know what was being said and done--now calm down---you left the door wide open and you know you would have jumped all over that opportunity to gig someone.
:angel:
Steve were you ever in the military? Those who were certainly know what films I am talking about and I didn't accuse everybody of being that free, but it was common enough.
As far as the locker room goes ,the gym teachers told it in the teachers' room. I also taught as a resource teacher in middle school and high school, so I was in the teachers' room in between programs. I wasn't in the locker room as a student, so don't be silly. As an EMT much later ,yes.
When I was teaching elementary school, you bet I walked in on the boys if they were out of class too long. Usually they were up to something, like stopping up the sinks to make them over flow.They learned very quickly they weren't safe from me.
Then there was the boy they called "the baby doctor" that had several girls pregnant at the same time in different schools. They were all minors so there wasn't much anybody could do.
That particular school was a real arm pit.The rough black kids were bussed out of the "valley" section of Wilmington to this suburban school in New Castle County. Of course the honors kids were bussed out there too. Really nice kids and very good students. Eventually the impossible kids were weeded out and sent to an alternative school, but the first few months were rough every year.
Jar, why would anyone be setting a "trap" for me. That's rude and very disappointing. I don't want to be made into some kind of game for you few to play with. >:( I suppose you think I'm just making stuff up to have something to say. That's a shame.
Diane, don't sweat it...Your talking to some who think "the clap" is something that is restricted to the homosexual population...Talk about not being up what your STDs are...lol ;D
Quote from: Catwoman on August 02, 2011, 02:53:12 PM
Diane, don't sweat it...Your talking to some who think "the clap" is something that is restricted to the homosexual population...Talk about not being up what your STDs are...lol ;D
No but it is on the rise in the queer population! You get what ya ask for! IF they kept it in their pants and out of someones ass they wouldn't have the clap or any other std.
And, you have knowledge of this how? LOL... ;D...Hmmmmm...
Quote from: srkruzich on August 02, 2011, 03:43:13 PM
No but it is on the rise in the queer population! You get what ya ask for! IF they kept it in their pants and out of someones ass they wouldn't have the clap or any other std.
I'm pretty sure that is what a condom was for, no? If they are in a consenting monogamous relationship, I don't see how they are doing anything wrong than any other couple having sex. Right? None of my business.
Jerry...That mirrors the argument against the homosexual population being able to get married...I say, let them...They have just as much right as the rest of us to go through the horrors of divorce, infidelity, etc....Why should they merit protection against it and we don't? lol
Quote from: Diane Amberg on August 02, 2011, 02:45:34 PM
Steve were you ever in the military? Those who were certainly know what films I am talking about and I didn't accuse everybody of being that free, but it was common enough.
As far as the locker room goes ,the gym teachers told it in the teachers' room. I also taught as a resource teacher in middle school and high school, so I was in the teachers' room in between programs. I wasn't in the locker room as a student, so don't be silly. As an EMT much later ,yes.
You actually believe half of what a gym teacher tells you? :O ROTFLMAO
QuoteThen there was the boy they called "the baby doctor" that had several girls pregnant at the same time in different schools. They were all minors so there wasn't much anybody could do.
Bullcrap. Toss his ass out of school. IF he showed up anywhere on campus arrest him! Arrest him for stat rape! why didn't they arrest him and lock him up? Hmm parents are responsible for his actions. Lock them up!
Had one 10 year old that threatened my son and a bunch of children in the neighborhood. Police came and hauled him off to jail. when they released him they let him back in school. All of us in the neighborhood, and the parents of the other kids that were threatened went to the school and told them to get rid of him. They did. Sent him somewhere else on the other side of the state. We wouldn't tolerate him being in the school.
Quote from Jarhead:
you seem to be sly like a fox and always seem to have a way out of a trap if you step in it ;)
Quote from Diane:
Jar, why would anyone be setting a "trap" for me. That's rude and very disappointing. I don't want to be made into some kind of game for you few to play with. >:(
Uh, Diana, I was trying to pay you a compliment but I see I failed to convey my true intent .I will just leave it at that except to say that your below quote is right on. You damn bippy there is a double standard. You can poke-poke all you want but heaven forbid one of us poke-poke back to you even if we put that all important smiley face after our post
Quote from Diane:
Poke fun if you want, just be sure we know it's meant to be good natured.You and Sarge do it, but unfortunately you won't let some of the rest of us do the same thing. It does get out of hand and there is a double standard
Would anyone like some cheese n crackers or to go with all the whine?
Yes I would Patriot---make mine limburger please, to get this unpleasant taste out of my mouth, thank you !! ;)
My, my aren't you the righteous one. No, I sure didn't see any compliment and I just reread it to be sure....speaking of whining and stepping in it. Now who is back peddling. Done feeding the trolls ,have dinner to make.