Can a student be suspended for a tweet sent after school hours and off school property?

Show me another question in this topic

Harry39 asks:

A tweet was sent, containing a verse in a song and its was considered a terroristic threat because it mentioned a shooting incident. The student never threatened anyone.

In Topics: Technology and my child, Discipline and behavior challenges

> 60 days ago

Report Abuse

Answer

Expert

marsalih

Jan 26, 2012

Subscribe to Expert

What the Expert Says:

Yes, but it depends on specific policies at your school and state laws in your state. If your child sends a tweet that disrupts the learning environment of students then he can expect to have the school intervene but it is tricky. Check your school policies. Here is a great blog about thsi top from Charles Lietch, a nationally recognized attorney, working with schools, that helps to explain the thin line schools have to balance regarding social media and school discipline http://bit.ly/zSaQdK

Resources:

http://www.ikeepsafe.org

Did you find this answer useful?

yes

Answer this question

Additional Answers (1)

JeanneBrock... writes:

This can be a tricky situation, depending on the school's policies, the exact nature of the message that was sent, and the school context of the moment. Social media present new challenges to schools, and most haven't yet caught up with clear policies so they may tend to make decisions on the strict side. Hopefully this can be turned into a "teachable moment" for everyone involved about the potential dangers and power of even brief social media messages, and how to use good judgment in sending such messages.
Jeanne H. Brockmyer, Ph. D.
education.com expert clinical psychologist

> 60 days ago

Did you find this answer useful?

yes

Report abuse