Should a school create a Facebook account to keep in touch with students and parents?  I think the answer to this question is 'Yes'. 

After looking at the pros and cons, I think that using Facebook is essential because parents and students already spend a good portion of their time there.  They can be kept informed about important school issues and organizations.  It is a way to get a feel for the communities’ thoughts on upcoming decisions.

It is a great ‘teachable moment’ lesson.  The students will be setting up their own accounts anyway.  Why not show them how to set up an account with the appropriate privacy settings and inform them of the safe way to navigate social media?  I have created a simple pledge form to use when going over safety issues with students.

While online, I pledge to…

    keep my private information private.  I will not share my name, address, phone number, age, school, passwords, or other personal information.

    ignore or block bullies.  I will not respond to mean comments and I will not post mean comments about other people.  I will tell a trusted adult if I feel threatened or uncomfortable with messages sent to me.

    be cautious of people I do not know online.  I will never meet with anyone I do not know in secret.  

(signed)_______________________________