School districts have been more reliant than ever upon internet-based communication with students and, given social distancing, students are more dependent upon social media than ever. We thought it timely to provide direction to districts concerning their polices with regard to student use of social media and electronic communication.
To assist districts address the dilemma they face balancing freedom of speech against the efficient operation of the schools (and the obligations to address cyber-bullying, harassment, and discrimination), we have prepared the attached checklist, “Social Media and Electronic Communication; Self-Audit Checklist and Best Practices for School Districts with regard to their Students.” This is an update of the checklist published in October of 2013.