Missouri's New Antoi-Socializing Law
 

Is anyone aware of Missouri's new law which basically bans teachers from taking part in Social Sites that involve current or former students?

Missouri passed the law last week and it goes into effect August 28. While it doesn't actually "ban" teachers from the sites, it does state that each school MUST establish a policy to which teachers cannot privately communicate with current or former students on a Social Networking site. This does include forums.

My wife (who is a teacher) was part of a Vbulletin site that communicated with students, parents, and teachers. While my wife can still participate, she can no longer talk with any students unless it is publicly listed.

What is everyone's thoughts on this..good? Bad?

Ridiculous. Typical for Missouri to see social sites as a threat, instead of a modern way of communication.
Its pure censorship, not much different than the ban on social networking sites that non-democratic countries have. It says a lot about the Missouri government.

Kind of messes up the whole "Show Me" idea, huh?

I actually have nothing against that. They just want to make sure that kids don't get to close to their teachers - which is a good thing.

When I went to school, I can't say that I liked the idea of socializing with teachers (I wasn't that big fan of school either), and I especially wouldn't do it on the Internet.

Dumb.

How long does "former student" last? When the student graduates the school? turns 18? graduates college? forever?

Till they turn 18.

Here's my problem with it. There are FAR more pedophiles contacting school age kids via these sites than there are teachers. Why not try to do something about that. Banning teachers from talking to students is (imo) upsurd.

I logical conclusion here is to keep teachers behind a 1 way mirror separated from the rest of the class. There will be 1 hallway for teachers and another for students. Then they never have to see each other at all. Also we can employ a voice changer so you wouldn't even know if your teacher was male or female. No teacher's would have names either- just call them "instructor." Homework will be emailed in, tests will be online... If the students never interact with the teacher than all these 20-something and 30-something sex starved teachers can't molest our kids anymore.

Someone suggest this to Missouri.