Mentor - Student Interactions Online

[pfreivald]

I would like to be clear that in order to be my friend on Facebook, you must *both* have a high school diploma *and* have survived your 18th birthday, *or* be at least twenty-one years old. No current students, period!

Our FBing is done via a group, not private friending.

[MechEng83]

Thanks, everyone for your replies. It seems there's not a real concensus, even within the FIRST community about what rules should exist.

I asked our school's administrator and there isn't currently a specific policy about online interactions. He suggested we follow our general policy on mentor-student interactions, since that's worked for us so far.

I'm really glad we're not placed under an overly restrictive policy. I've used Facebook and text messages to remind students of upcoming events. I sometimes chat with specific students about what they specifically need to do to fulfill their team role. Really I don't see how this differs from sending an email (which most of our students don't check regularly) making a phone call (which most students don't answer) or having an in-person conversation (which is difficult if the student doesn't show up on a particular day) except that I'm able to reach them effectively.

I don't actively seek out current students as facebook friends, but I haven't denied a request either. I do set students to a restricted group to limit their access to my information. I view facebook and other social media as tools. The ability to use tools is what makes us an advanced society. FIRST is about promoting technology and inspiring students. If I can use this technology to inspire students, then I think it's a wholly appropriate and legitimate use.

[ebarker]

Originally Posted by MechEng83

I don't actively seek out current students as facebook friends, but I haven't denied a request either. I do set students to a restricted group to limit their access to my information. I view facebook and other social media as tools. The ability to use tools is what makes us an advanced society. FIRST is about promoting technology and inspiring students. If I can use this technology to inspire students, then I think it's a wholly appropriate and legitimate use.

Prior to email/facebook/phone/text contact I have a conversation with the student's parents. Once all that is settled then things can proceed. Until then the students only recourse is to be all meetings.

[Phyrxes]

Another thing you may wish to consider is drafting and adopting an "acceptable use policy." Out students agree to the county's policy as part of the school districts code of behavior so ours expands on that policy instead of writing one completely from scratch.

The policy is then included in the packet of information that each parent receives when their child joins.