Much like teachers allowing students to listen to music when their entire focus should be on learning, this one caught me by surprise.
Evidently, there are teachers sharing their personal social-media pages with students.
A message from a reader clued me in. I was skeptical that it was something widespread, so spent a couple days reaching out to contacts around the country.
It’s happening everywhere. And it’s a terrible idea.
Here’s why:
1. It’s inappropriate.
Trading social media pages with children, really? How does that work? “Hey Vanessa, my username is @timbongodrums. What’s yours?”
For what possible innocent reason would any teacher do this? I can’t think of any. Can you? I’m all ears if you’d like to leave a comment below.
2. It’s inappropriate.
If you’re doing it to share your music or art or side gig with students, it’s still wrong. Perhaps it’s an ego play or attempt to impress or be cool.
But it’s odd.
This is the best spin you could put on it. If you want share your bongos or watercolor paintings for instructional purposes, fine. Do it live and in class. Otherwise, it raises a lot of red flags.
3. It’s inappropriate.
Why would a teacher proactively play a part in, and all but give their blessing to, something that the overwhelming research shows is bad for students?
Social media is linked to . . .
- Anxiety
- Lower Attention Span
- Addiction
- Cyberbullying
- Social Isolation
- Depression
- Body Image Distortion
- Low Self-Esteem
- Sleep Disturbances
- Productivity Issues
- Worse Academic Outcomes
Yet, there they are, holding court, students gathered around, trying to be the cool teacher: “Yo, hit me up. My IG is @teacherflowerpainter.”
King of the Jungle
I’ve written over 800 articles for SCM and try never to allow any perception of anger to seep into my words.
I can’t do it this time.
Maybe you gave into the contagion of sharing social media with students without thinking. Maybe your naivete didn’t allow you to go there or realize the extreme inappropriateness and danger to your career.
Maybe you’re a young teacher and just assume that it’s normal. It’s not. It’s weird behavior that shows weak character, at best. It also lessens your authority and leadership presence.
A source told me that at her school nearly every teacher does this. They even follow their students back. This obliterates every rational ethical standard.
If the paste is out of the tube, however, and you’ve already shared your social media handle, then turn the setting to private or start a new page. Do it now. If some students happen to find your page or website, fine.
Never discuss it. Just tell them to get back to work.
If you hear rumors of colleagues sharing their social media with students, I encourage you to report it to your administrator.
Because, as teachers, we have an oath to protect. And you must do so fiercely. As for me, if I see or hear of anyone or anything threatening the welfare or innocence of students, I’m King Kong.
Repercussions be damned.
PS – If teaching has become stressful for you, check out my new book Unstressed: How to Teach Without Worry, Fear, and Anxiety.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, please join us. It’s free! Click here and begin receiving classroom management articles like this one in your email box every week.
