The New York Times reports on emerging social network monitoring systems designed to survey publicly available posts of students and the corresponding issues around free speech and children’s privacy. Now that students’ cries for help and instances of bullying and threats can be found online, several companies are offering software to help schools detect such outbursts, but do schools have the legal right to do so? Several cyberbullying cases have made their way to federal courts. American Association of School Administrators Executive Director Daniel A. Domenech said of the issue, “It is a concern and, in some cases, a major problem for school districts,” adding that the line between school and student rights can be confusing. One school administrator is weary of such online technology, saying, “The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, but we also need for them to have the time and space to grow without feeling like we are watching their every move.” (Registration may be required to access this story.)
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