The Manitoba government is directing all publicly funded schools and school divisions to revise their digital communications policies, banning one-on-one online contact between school employees and students on unmonitored platforms. Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced the directive Friday, saying it is meant to protect students by setting stricter online safety standards. “Teachers have to be able to talk to their students about school. But there should never be a reason to hide that conversation from the eyes of parents or school leaders,” Schmidt said in a news release. “Families should be able to expect that any time a teacher talks to their students, it’s about school. Our directive will keep kids safe, set expectations for parents and give educators the guidelines they need.” Under the directive, school employees will be banned from communicating with students through personal social media accounts, private messaging platforms, texting or messaging features on social networking platforms. Exceptions will be allowed in some cases. The province notes that when circumstances require alternative arrangements to support a student’s safety, accessibility, well-being or learning needs, school administration must approve the communication in advance. Parents and caregivers must be included in the communication or be advised of it, Schmidt said. She added that exceptions may also be made for existing family or personal relationships. All schools will be required to tell students, staff and families in their communities about any revisions to their guidelines, the minister said. The directive comes after several recent disciplinary decisions from the Commissioner of Teacher Professional Conduct regarding teachers crossing professional boundries by sending messages to students. This story will be updated.
