Delco Safe Schools Summit Focuses On Social Media
By Jim Melwert
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- With text messages, snapchat, or other social media, it's easier than ever for teachers or coaches to communicate with students. A summit hosted by the Delaware County District Attorney's office Friday, focused on how administrators and parents can keep an eye on those communications and how can they try to prevent any inappropriate interactions
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan says in cases of inappropriate relationships between teachers and students, it often begins with electronic communications. He recommends using school email accounts so they can be monitored. Or, he says, include a parent or staff member.
"Let's make sure that you're sending it also to a parent or the athletic director and they can see exactly what's being communicated," says Whelan.
Garnet Valley School District Superintendant Mark Bertrando says it's not a simple policy decision, these communications are valuable, for example, it may be easier for a child with a problem to approach a teacher or counselor they trust with through a text message.
He says they train their staff to be transparent and to show people in charge what the message is:
"So someone doesn't misconstrue a text message or an email."
Also discussed at the summit, how to recognize if a student is a victim, for example changes in personality, or increased absenteeism.
