N.J. schools may need written policy on all communication between teachers, kids

A bill up for consideration Thursday by New Jersey lawmakers would require public school districts to have a written policy on all electronic communication between teachers and students.

The measure would help prevent inappropriate behavior when teachers use social media to contact their students, said State Sen. DIane Allen.

“We just want to make sure that every adult that’s working in the school district knows that now there’s a record that says they cannot do certain things and that there will be some oversight and, hopefully, that will keep students more safe,” said Allen, R-Burlington.

It would be up individual districts to determine the type of action that’s taken if employees don’t comply with the written policy.

Many parents are not aware that some schools don’t have formal guidelines for electronic communications, Allen said. Mandating one, she said, can make a difference.