HANNIBAL -- Most of us accept Facebook friend requests without a second thought, but for teachers it is a different story. That's because on Facebook things aren't always what they seem and that is why the Hannibal School District is looking at amending its policy on student-teacher relations to include a ban on social networking sites like Facebook. Brian Schmitt, Hannibal High Schools principal says connecting on social networking sites like Facebook can put students and teachers in a bad position. "You bring in social media you bring in Twitter, you bring in Facebook, that line can be crossed it can be blurred and the last thing anyone wants to see is a teachers reputation put at risk as a result of a miscommunication," he says. The Hannibal School District already has a policy on student teacher relations. The ban on social networking would be an update to the current policy. Hannibal School District Superintendent Michael Difabio says it is important for teachers to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
"You want to be open with your students and you want to communicate with them but I think you need to realize that there is a certain line you must not cross as a professional," he says.
The Hannibal School Board votes on whether or not to adopt the policy next month.
Click here to read the current policy.
