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If It Helps Keep Kids Safe, Sure – Let Schools Monitor Social Media
There’s a new initiative some schools are rolling out that involves keeping an eye on students’ social media posts on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. If this helps protect our children, I’m totally on board.
Bill Johnson, the chair of the Orange County School Board in Florida, explains that the program tracks certain keywords that might signal danger, such as “gun,” “attack,” or “kill.” The district believes that since social media can be a breeding ground for bullying, threats, or cries for help, monitoring these public platforms is justifiable.
Parenting today comes with a host of new challenges, especially concerning our kids’ safety in the digital world. One big debate is about the privacy of students and the role schools should play regarding their social media activity. Some argue that it’s the parents’ job to keep tabs on their kids online, while others believe schools should step up because social media issues can spill over into school life. I firmly believe the latter. If monitoring my kids’ social media can help ensure their safety at school, then let the schools snoop.
Some parents are concerned about privacy, claiming that schools are overstepping their boundaries. One mom said, “It’s not their job to parent.” And while she’s right, this isn’t just about parenting; it’s about ensuring that students and staff are safe on campus. If schools have tools to identify potential threats before they escalate, they should definitely use them.
As for privacy? Honestly, whatever your child posts online should never be considered private. If you’re worried about privacy, encourage them to keep a diary instead of posting on social media. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook are inherently public, no matter how tightly you try to lock down accounts. Have you heard of screenshots? It’s 2023, folks. Time to get real.
My daughter is only eight, but I know we’ll soon face the reality of her wanting to explore social media. I’m all for her school adopting this kind of monitoring program, as it could help curb bullying, which can occur in so many ways online. Kids can’t escape harassment when it’s just a screen swipe away. Schools need to adapt to this digital age; they can’t pretend it’s the late ’80s anymore. If social media is where harmful behavior starts, then they must keep a watchful eye.
Of course, not every post flagged with these keywords is a cause for alarm. In fact, most aren’t. If your child posts about “guns” in the context of a video game, that should be quickly dismissed after review. The goal isn’t to punish kids for innocent comments but to catch potentially dangerous situations before they escalate. And if your child’s social media isn’t private, anyone can see it—so if their school wants to check in, I’m all for it. As a parent, I could use all the help I can get.
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In summary, monitoring social media in schools can help keep kids safe and prevent bullying and other threats. While some parents express concerns about privacy, it’s important to recognize the realities of today’s digital environment.