Facebook trouble in schools

Updated on: Friday, January 27, 2012

Several research findings suggest that students who are regular users of Facebook score lower marks in academics than those who are not. Not just that, there have been several cases of students getting into trouble because of their Facebook and Twitter profile.

Now, many students say that their schools have banned them from using any social networking sites, even at home. Shweta (name changed on request) says, “Any student who is caught on Facebook has to pay a fine in school. Teachers keep a close watch on these sites. To evade all this, I have a profile on Facebook with a fake name and false personal details.”

Not all students are well informed about using the virtual medium and S.Amudha Lakshmi, the principal of Chettinad Vidyashram, points out the importance of educating them. “There is no point banning these sites in today’s world of modern technology. Students will find some way or the other to break and bend the rules. Instead, we teach our students the pros and cons of using such sites and explain how to use them effectively.

” She also adds that parents must see to it that their wards are not misusing the internet. “Students are too busy in school to Facebook or Tweet. Parents should keep a close watch on what their children are doing so that they don’t get into trouble.”

Student counselor Aparna Gharpure cautions that the internet is a great enticement for youngsters. “The lure of Internet and social media is such that students are willing to do anything to be a part of it.

When their virtual freedom is curbed, they end up creating fake profiles and landing into bigger trouble. Both the school and parents should explain and educate children about social media and make them aware of both sides of the coin,” she warns.

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