Missouri's government has passed a law that cracks down on teachers who use social networking sites to be social with their students.
State officials say the new law, passed on July 14, is part of an effort to "more clearly define teacher-student boundaries" and is part of a larger bill that helps protect children from possible teacher sexual misconduct.
Critics have complained the new law paints all teachers as potential sexual predators, and does not take into account those teachers who see social networking as a valuable educational tool. Others have complained the new law could violate the privacy of both students and teachers.
The law was discussed for some time, but was on hold after the Joplin, Mo. tornado, when teachers used their social networking sites to help track down some missing students. Some teachers have said they are concerned the law will keep them from getting vital information out to students and parents.
"The hundreds of teachers across the state who have effectively used Facebook and other social networking sites to communicate with students, and I am one of those, will have to trash years' worth of work," wrote blogger Randy Turner, a communication arts teacher for Joplin East Middle School.
She said the law might also keep students from communicating with adults who may be a stabilizing force in their lives, which, for example, they needed after the tornado.
Missouri's law may add to rules already on the books that show privacy isn't really private when it comes to social media. Facebook posts and photos shared only with friends can be used against people in court. The new law forbids, however, that initial communication being made to begin with.
The line between private and public on Facebook and other forms of social media is one constantly being negotiated and regulated. Debt collectors, for instance, are not allowed to contact debtors through Facebook, according to a recent ruling, although collectors may use the service to gather information.
Missouri is the first state to pass a "Facebook" law, but others may follow if state legislators believe teachers use social networking to communicate inappropriately with their students. However, the law could face constitutionality challenges because some believe it violates freedom of speech concerns. Other states may well let the laws already on their books handle how teachers interact with students.
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