Dive Brief:

• Experts are weighing the benefits and challenges of new ed tech security technologies that can provide social media threat assessments.
• Some cloud-based, automated-alert systems can “see” words, phrases and acronyms and determine if threats might be occurring.
• Critics say the use of such programs can border on infringing upononline privacy rights for students, and eSchoolNews reports research is currently scarce on the topic.

Dive Insight:

Many cyber security experts recommend schools and districts take an engaged, proactive and aggressive approach to IT, in order to prevent mishaps like mismanagement, misconduct and tech device theft. But an aggressive approach to online student behavior can also be undertaken without crossing any privacy lines, or by using the new predictive tech mentioned by eSchoolNews.

First and foremost, all districts need a clearly communicated policy for both students and staff regarding expectations of social media use online. Some schools ban teachers and students from "friending" on Facebook, while others do not. It's important to remember that privacy settings aren't all that meaningful; even when set to the most stringent settings, private posts to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook always run the risk of eventually being made public. The same goes for email communication.

Individual communities need to decide what's best for them, and then take the steps necessary to ensure everyone understands the common guidelines and rules. All engaged in digital spaces should understand etiquette related to privacy, bullying, language and what kinds of content are appropriate to post on social media.