Should teachers add their pupils on Facebook?

„Add“ or „ignore“ ones pupils on Facebook – this is the question the Austrian newspaper „Die Presse“ currently deals with in its online presence. Experts recommend an organic, nevertheless consistent approach that takes aims and personality of the respective teacher into account. They point out that teachers are often anxious of social media.

“Teacher should use Facebook following their pedagogical philosophy”, says Barbara Buchegger of the Austrian Initiative “Safer Internet”. It is however highly recommendable to stay consistent: Either you add all your pupils who send you a request or you ignore them all.

Buchegger adds that teachers should not mix their professional sphere and their personal sphere. Some use Facebook as a tool to provide consultation to their pupils – some consider Facebook a part of their private lives. It is also on Facebook possible to divide information flows and keep both spheres separate: people can be added to lists to receive more information or less.

According to a study Buchegger has conducted, 35 percent of the Austrian teachers use Facebook, 37 percent of those are “friends” with their pupils. Most teachers however are too anxious of social media. However: “If you don’t post embarrassing messages, nothing can be used against you“, says Buchegger, reassuringly.

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