The use of Facebook, Twitter, and other sites has risen among teens, and school administrators are becoming more aware that parents must monitor social media. They are working with parents to remind students of the effects of detrimental and permanent posting items on social media sites.
In February, the Pew Research Center found that 73 percent of all Americans ages 12-17 have a Facebook account, according to the organization’s website.
In Ohio, Orrville, Southeast and Rittman Superintendent Jon Ritchie said it is the duty of the parents to be aware of what their child is posting, as students are quick to post comments or photos on social media accounts.
“We, at different times, have had people come in and talk to our students at certain grade levels about the implications of social media and provide the caution,” Ritchie said. “The most effective people to monitor social media are the kids’ parents.”
Dalton Superintendent Scott Beatty also said the parents are the best people to monitor social media, since most school administrators do not intervene or discipline in cases outside of the school day.
“Usually, if it’s something outside the school day, the administration will still attempt to bring the issue to the forefront between two students and encourage a healthier interaction,” Beatty said. “The question is always ‘Can this be disciplined?’ and that is dependent upon where the offense occurs and its impact on the school setting. A more positive resolution is to have parents work together and resolve the issue before it even makes it into the school, but that is not always possible.”
Northwestern Superintendent Jeffrey Layton said although the district has not seen an overwhelming amount of cyberbullying issues, students and parents are continually educated.
“We have also tried to educate students and parents on appropriate response on social media, which all goes along with our anti-bullying and character education development,” he said.