Nyack School Board: Do Social Media Sites Have a Place in Our Schools?

Nyack students are accustomed to seeing a "Restricted" message when they try to visit social media sites at school. But that may change.

Nyack School District administrators have begun discussing the possibility of incorporating social media sites into schools' computer systems.

Nyack School District Assistant Superintendent Walter Woodhouse, at a Feb. 15 School Board meeting, gave a brief slide presentation illustrating how and why the district plans to proceed.

Woodhouse said social media websites like Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube have the potential to help teachers improve classroom instruction and aid the district in promoting its goals and initiatives.

"Social media can help us, as educators, enhance instruction and improve student learning," he said.

Woodhouse understands, however, increasing social media access to young people comes with certain risks. He noted it is important to establish certain guidelines and procedures before any plans are set in stone.

He said resolution to issues like what type of material is appropriate for instructional purposes and the amount of individual student access are important considerations.

Woodhouse is also proposing an "opt-in" for parents, giving them the opportunity to decide whether or not to allow their children to participate in social media-based lessons and schools activities.

Members of the School Board raised a number of concerns.

President Michael Lagana expressed reservations over giving young people access to sites like Facebook, which have the potential to make public pictures and personal information that could invite trouble. Lagana said he also fears access to social media could increase incidents of cyberbullying.

He also questioned the efficacy of the opt-in proposal, saying it puts a great deal of pressure on parents, who might not want their kids to participate but give in thinking other parents and the school district have signed on.

"We need to move extremely slowly and carefully," Lagana concluded. "There are significant issues we must deal with."

"We need to tread very cautiously," added Board Trustee Claudette Clarke.

Clarke also noted she understands that social media sites may have some benefits in school settings, but when it comes to the safety of children, extra care is always necessary.

Both Woodhouse and Interim Superintendent Jason Friedman said this undertaking is only in its beginning stages and all concerns brought forth will be taken into consideration.

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