David – thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. My kids aren’t old enough to have Facebook accounts, yet – but when they do, I will also require that they allow me as a friend.

I am not in favor of teacher/students being friends on FB. With so many channels of communication for homework help…why FB?? Our teachers have texted and emailed and call, that is perfectly fine.

We are living in a crazy world…I think this protects both teachers and kids. If they really feel it’s necessary, then create a public page where students can post on public forum to keep it open and transparent with no options for chats. I believe this was also in the article I read as a suggestion.

There are other options besides FB. How about the school start a social network where parents/students/teachers can join and communicate about “HOMEWORK” if indeed this is what it’s about. “Some schools do that now in Chicago and it’s fabulous.

I know many adults who do “FRIEND” kids and yes there should be an exception (close family friend) so how to get around that, I don’t know.

However, for me personlly, I will not friend children, even if it’s my best friend’s kids. I’ve had to decline several times and when asked, let them know, I love them dearly, and we can call, text, email… but connect FB, I have to draw the line as to where the friending boundaries are.

There is a free social network called Edmodo which looks/acts like facebook but can be used to give assignments and feedback. I’ve used it in my classroom.

I don’t understand where people are having an issue with their children friending their teachers on Facebook. If you are concerned for child predators, don’t allow your child to have a social account or monitor it as any smart parent should be doing regardless. It seems that people are just letting the term “child predator” loose in any setting that seems convienent. If there are accusations against teachers being child predators, I would be more concerned about my child attending the school with someone like that present and in person than I would be if it was a social internet interaction. I have 2 children and both have facebook accounts that are private and monitored very closely. I have yet to run into an issue with cyber stalkers or even questionable friends. If you can’t trust your child’s teacher to be a friend on a social network then maybe you should be going to the school because I certainly would not want them anywhere near my child. This is a school district issue. Not every teacher is a sick individual and I am so tired of them all being labeled in such a manner. If a child wants to friend a teacher, be aware and at the next parent teacher meeting, mention it so the teacher is aware that you know everything that goes on in your child’s life. Sometimes kids need extra help, I believe that is what the issue is. If the teacher accepts the request then they also need to take precautionary measures to protect themselves as well. We are not a dumb society but there are a lot of ignorant people who can mess it up in a heartbeat. If you are so concerned about these issues then maybe the real issue is parents need to pay more attention to their children and what is happening in their lives, stop expecting the government to do it for you.