Q: Your child is about to start school, and you are eager to learn more about the teacher. Would you be crossing the line by sending a Facebook friend request?
Facebook is where I blow off steam to some of my dearest friends. It's a place where I'm not a mom or a safety advocate. I'm just me. If I make a joke saying, "It's wine o'clock," I don't want a teacher to think, "Hmm, she's drinking on a school night."
I also have a broad range of friends from different cultures, education, political and religious backgrounds. But a teacher reading my Facebook might think I share some outrageous opinions.
I have no doubt that teachers feel the same way about their Facebook accounts. They are entitled to a private life, as well as having their own set of embarrassing friends and family.
We already judge, question, gossip or complain about what our friends and family post. It would be far worse for teachers who are often held to a much higher standard than we hold ourselves.
So be friendly, supportive and communicate with your child's teachers. Send them notes, invite them for coffee or bake them cookies, but don't friend them on Facebook.
_ Jennifer Perry, cyberstalking expert, author and CEO of the Digital Trust, an association that supports victims of digital abuse
Friending a child's teacher on Facebook is a two-way communication that can result in awkward situations.
Knowing too much: Do you really want to know that your child's teacher was at a party until all hours of the night? Consider the implications of your child knowing this information as well.
Creating bias: A teacher shares political views on Facebook, which are contrary to yours. Would you tell your child to be careful about what he or she says?
Reinforcing assumptions: You feel your child is not getting adequate help with reading. Then you find out on Facebook that your teacher's live-in mother is in need of care, and you assume that this is the reason.
Impeding relationships: Your child's teacher has been posting material on his or her Facebook page that is not supportive of your postings. This might have an impact on your respect for the teacher's professional role.
There are tons of other ways that parents can stay updated on what is happening in the classroom. See if the teacher has a classroom Facebook page, a blog or a WhatsApp group.
_ Ellen Paxton, National Board certified teacher and founder of the Professional Learning Board, an organization that offers online professional development courses for teachers
.jpg?w=600)
