The content of a student's webpage could potentially damage a school's reputation. For example, if a student athlete posts a picture of himself doing drugs, that picture reflects poorly not only on the student athlete but on the school he attends. A student athlete is a representative of his or her school. So if that athlete were to post a picture of himself doing something wrong, that could damage the school's reputation. Schools have a right to protect their reputation.
Schools also have a duty to protect their students from harm. To fulfill that duty, school have always had to monitor their students' conduct at school. New technology gives students new ways to cause mischief and harm. They can threaten or taunt their classmates or damage their classmates' reputations by what they say on their webpages. To prevent that damage, schools now have to monitor their students' electronic conduct to ensure that it is not harming other students. Also, since Columbine, school have had to be more vigilant about ensuring that students are not are threatening to engage in harmful conduct or giving clues that they will do something dangerous at school.
Schools also need to be able to enforce their own codes of conduct. Monitoring facebook or myspace pages is simply a tool to help ensure that students are not violating school rules, for example by drinking alcohol or doing drugs. A picture of a student openly violating school rules sends a message that the school can't enforce its own rules. Schools need to be able to take reasonable actions to ensure that rules are followed.
The thought of being watched and spied on can be upsetting to students. But students have to understand that schools have the students best interest at heart. They are trying to protect the students and the school and makes sure they can supply the best learning experience possible. Reasonable monitoring is necessary to meet that goal.
5 comments:
I agree with your idea that schools should be able to monitor students website, but not without reason. I think that schools should only ever look at students internet information if there is a valid reason.
I agree with what you have to say about pictures and posts about athletes taking drugs schools' reputation. But I also agree with Sam Davies when he says that you should do it within reason. If there is reason to look and take action, it should be done. Overall, very good job.
I both agree and disagree with your statements. I disagree to a degree with your ideas about Facebook. I think that schools should give second chances or at least a warning. Although disagree with your comments on Facebook I agree that if it involves the harm of themselves or others the appropriate action should be taken
I agree that the school should have control over there kid profiles, but to an extent. Yes they should know about alcohol and drugs. But for kids that are mad at eachother, no. The school needs limits as well as the kids.
Very well-written, Matt. Good arguments for limited monitoring.
And, Tim, what if students are making racist or sexist remarks to other students and it affects the students at school?
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