Bill Would Direct Schools to Establish a Policy to Curb Improper E-Communications
Between Teachers and Students
(TRENTON) – A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Marlene Caride requiring schools to develop policies outlining teacher and student electronic communication was released by the Assembly Education Committee on Monday.
“Social networks, text-messaging and e-mail have drastically changed the way people communicate today,” said Caride (D-Bergen/Passaic). “Advancing technology and the use of electronic communications raise concerns of appropriateness and beg us to define conduct in a professional atmosphere, especially in our schools.”
The bill would require every public school district to adopt a written policy concerning electronic communications between school employees and students enrolled in the district.
“Schools must set guidelines for proper communications between faculty and students,” said Caride. “These policies will help create a standard for professionalism in electronic communications.
The policy must include provisions designed to prevent improper communications between school employees and students made via e-mail, cellular phones, social networking websites and other Internet-based social media.