Child Protection Policies Need Boundaries for Out-of-Program Contacts

A teacher in Tennessee has been arrested for engaging in inappropriate behavior with multiple juvenile victims. Students reported that they initially became friends with the teacher, then began interacting with her through video games and social media. She has denied the charges of molestation, but police say she has admitted to inappropriate contact over social media.

This case serves as an important reminder of why it is crucial for youth-serving organizations to establish clear limits on contacts through social media. This case also highlights the difficulty administrators face in monitoring and controlling such interactions. It is virtually impossible for educators to be aware of every single conversation or interaction taking place on social media platforms. 

However, in this case, the students’ parents brought the boundary violations to the attention of both the police and the school. We must keep our kids’ parents well-informed about our rules and regulations on out-of-program contact. Regular communication with parents can help establish a strong partnership, ensuring that everyone is working together to create a safe environment for the children under their care.