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  Case: Parent Facebook Friend?
After you return from a class field trip, a parent who was a chaperon approaches you and comments how much they enjoyed the field trip. At the end of the conversation they ask you to "friend" them on Facebook. You explain to them that it is unprofessional to be Facebook friends with a parent of a student. The parent shrugs off the comment. The following day they approach you about why you have yet to "friend" them on Facebook. How do you deal with the situation?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
I would again go over how it is inappropriate to be friends online with the parents. It can eventually cross a line, and a teachers personal life needs to be separate from there professional life. I would then tell the parent that I was available through email if they had an issue to talk about and that I would post pictures of the students in the classroom, not online. I would try to be polite as possible with the parent not to cause any problems.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Great solution. I agree with your point on how teachers' lives must be kept private.
Rated On: October 14, 2014 7:16 pm
Rated By: Megan Lee
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I thought this was the best solution. The parent should understand that it is inappropriate after you've politely explained it to them.
Rated On: October 15, 2014 10:54 am
Rated By: ySaryN
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I totally agree that a teacher's personal life should be separate from their professional life but teachers should be careful with what they post on social media as well.
Rated On: October 16, 2014 2:25 am
Rated By: Kayla Campbell
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: telling them early so it does not result in more issues is the best solution
Rated On: October 16, 2014 3:18 am
Rated By: PezaLe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: If I was to come across this situation I would do this.
Rated On: October 16, 2014 3:45 pm
Rated By: duGyJy
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree that this would be the best thing to do. I think it is important for the parent teacher relationship to stay professional and don't think it would be wise for the two of them to be friends on Facebook. I also think it is a good idea to only put pictures of the class in the classroom and not online.
Rated On: October 18, 2014 4:34 am
Rated By: esaSaV
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is a clean solution to the problem. Giving another alternative to communication is a great idea.
Rated On: October 18, 2014 1:36 pm
Rated By: Holly Ebbert
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think this is a good solution, let the parent know that this is a blanket policy.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 1:35 am
Rated By: adenar
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Great points. Suggesting to communicate by email may be helpful.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 2:55 pm
Rated By: uJasuX
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree and would do the same thing. It is important to stay polite and professional.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 4:22 pm
Rated By: uVejeg
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think this would be the best approach.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 9:34 pm
Rated By: Brianne Blowers
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this. It is very inappropriate for students parents to be facebook friends with a teacher at there child's schools.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 11:22 pm
Rated By: apened
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: It is a good point to keep your personal life personal.
Rated On: October 20, 2014 12:03 am
Rated By: Sanubu
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree and would do this myself. Keep it professional.
Rated On: October 21, 2014 11:39 pm
Rated By: yVuLyR
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree. The lines of what is appropriate and inappropriate with a parent definitely blur if you are friends on Facebook.
Rated On: February 18, 2015 12:53 am
Rated By: sezyQe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree with this approach.
Rated On: February 25, 2015 8:00 pm
Rated By: Jen
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think this is the best solution for this situation.
Rated On: February 25, 2015 8:13 pm
Rated By: Shannon Stephens
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think that this would be the best approach.
Rated On: February 26, 2015 2:49 am
Rated By: eSaPaz
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree with your approach to the problem. It is important to make the point clear to the parent without causing more problems. If they don't understand after the second talk I think it would be wise to get an administrator involved
Rated On: February 26, 2015 10:36 pm
Rated By: Meredith Bentley
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Being polite is definitely the key to this situation. Some parents can get offended by the teacher saying no, but it isn't professional and does cross a line.
Rated On: February 27, 2015 3:58 pm
Rated By: Natisha
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree with you in this situation. It is best to explain again how it is inappropriate to be friends online via social media. There are personal and professional boundaries that must be set in a teacher-parent relationship.
Rated On: February 27, 2015 10:09 pm
Rated By: uVataS
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I like the idea of suggesting email. Even though this is not exactly what the parent wanted, it lets them know that you are still open for talking and answering any questions through other forms.
Rated On: February 28, 2015 4:38 am
Rated By: Hannah Poore
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think this solution is a good one. Parents, students, and teachers should not mix what goes on at school with personal lives. I think being too friendly with parents and students can lead to problems when they think the teacher is a friend. This changes the professionalism of the relationship.
Rated On: February 28, 2015 10:17 pm
Rated By: vuDybe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: If I were in this situation, I would do exactly this. Being polite and reiterating the facts is the best way to get past this because it protects both you and your career.
Rated On: March 1, 2015 2:29 pm
Rated By: Mariah Salas
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree that you should let the parent know that it is inappropriate to be friends with parents online. Teachers like you said have a personal life too and should be separate from their work life. I also agree to let the parent know that you are always available to talk or if the parents have questions through email.
Rated On: March 1, 2015 4:58 pm
Rated By: NaHuVa
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Yes, great idea!
Rated On: March 2, 2015 12:55 am
Rated By: Tana Bill
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Absolutely a great solution, this conversation should be kept professional and logic will win it.
Rated On: March 2, 2015 1:22 am
Rated By: Qebysu
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Keep it professional! Delete your profile or make it private.
Rated On: March 14, 2015 8:03 pm
Rated By: aGudyS
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This solution is very useful for this situation.
Rated On: March 15, 2015 8:26 pm
Rated By: yvyGyQ
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree that it is unprofessional to be Facebook friends with a parent.
Rated On: July 1, 2015 10:00 pm
Rated By: huQeTe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Great solution. Being polite with the parent is important.
Rated On: October 4, 2015 2:39 am
Rated By: aDuvej
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Talking to the parent again about the rules is a great suggestion- let them know that there will be consequences. Great suggestion.
Rated On: October 18, 2015 6:51 pm
Rated By: ymuXyg
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Agreed.
Rated On: March 4, 2016 5:05 pm
Rated By: beTyZa
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: good idea
Rated On: March 7, 2016 2:46 am
Rated By: nick morse
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think this is a great solution. Make sure the parent knows the boundaries but also that you are available to be reached through your school email.
Rated On: March 7, 2016 4:30 am
Rated By: BesuVy
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Good advice
Rated On: July 11, 2016 3:14 am
Rated By: yGapeW
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Great solution and put perfectly!
Rated On: October 15, 2016 5:00 am
Rated By: Nicole McVey
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Definitely a good point. Remind the parent that there are boundaries and it is best not to cross them.
Rated On: October 16, 2016 3:56 am
Rated By: ematen
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is a useful solution because it allows you to explain why you can't friend them and why it is against policy.
Rated On: October 16, 2016 6:16 pm
Rated By: nehury
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree, definitely.
Rated On: March 3, 2017 11:19 pm
Rated By: uDaHeD
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is exactly what I would do in this situation. That parent should respect the teacher's professional decision.
Rated On: March 6, 2017 12:57 am
Rated By: QaHyWe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree that this is the best approach.
Rated On: July 8, 2017 9:41 pm
Rated By: eRahyR
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is the best solution.
Rated On: October 15, 2017 10:20 pm
Rated By: ysyByg
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree, it is inappropriate. But, the grade level could have a Facebook page for students and teachers to join.
Rated On: October 16, 2017 3:23 am
Rated By: TyNeby
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Great solution
Rated On: February 24, 2018 11:48 pm
Rated By: upyWyH
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I would do this.
Rated On: March 11, 2018 3:30 pm
Rated By: aJaTyb
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This seems like an effective solution since it directly addresses the problem in a positive way.
Rated On: October 13, 2018 6:15 pm
Rated By: byRyLe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is the approach I would use.
Rated On: February 20, 2019 10:50 pm
Rated By: qaRada
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is what I would do. Be polite about it, but still let the parent know it's inappropriate while offering other forms of communication.
Rated On: July 3, 2019 7:51 pm
Rated By: yQebyb
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree with this response
Rated On: October 31, 2021 11:06 pm
Rated By: egamyp