As I've said before, I think teachers need to stop considering the entire world as their students: your students are those who are actually your students.
On that point, I agree: you shouldn't be friends with those who are under your direct teaching. However, that doesn't mean you should consider the entire world of "students" your students. Where does the line stop? What about high school students to an elementary teacher? Or college students? Or graduate students? Or, teachers taking professional development? The fact is, many, many people are students – that doesn't mean they are your students.
By the way, in regards to the inappropriate use of Facebook by young adults I think it is actually a lot rarer than it is portrayed as. I have done a look through the over 200 profiles of my friends (most of my school class) and not a single one of them contained objectionable or inappropriate content. While it is certainly something to educate about, it isn't nearly as prevalent as people assume – must young people have developed some degree of sense around these issues.
I think Facebook can be a great tool for interacting with alumni: but I'd recommend you let them initiate contact and wait a while (don't friend them the week they graduate). By then, they will have developed the ability to engage in a professional manner while still staying friendly with past teachers.
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On that point, I agree: you shouldn't be friends with those who are under your direct teaching. However, that doesn't mean you should consider the entire world of "students" your students. Where does the line stop? What about high school students to an elementary teacher? Or college students? Or graduate students? Or, teachers taking professional development? The fact is, many, many people are students – that doesn't mean they are your students.
By the way, in regards to the inappropriate use of Facebook by young adults I think it is actually a lot rarer than it is portrayed as. I have done a look through the over 200 profiles of my friends (most of my school class) and not a single one of them contained objectionable or inappropriate content. While it is certainly something to educate about, it isn't nearly as prevalent as people assume – must young people have developed some degree of sense around these issues.
I think Facebook can be a great tool for interacting with alumni: but I'd recommend you let them initiate contact and wait a while (don't friend them the week they graduate). By then, they will have developed the ability to engage in a professional manner while still staying friendly with past teachers.