Staying Safe with Social Media and Technology in the Classroom: A Guide for Today’s Educators

Staying Safe with Social Media and Technology in the Classroom: A Guide for Today’s Educators

As digital tools become increasingly woven into the fabric of modern classrooms, teachers find themselves navigating a space filled with incredible opportunity, and real responsibility. From blogging assignments and Google Classrooms to Zoom calls and social media updates, the line between innovation and risk can be surprisingly thin. That’s why it’s more important than ever to understand how to stay safe and professional when using technology in the classroom.

Drawing from the District School Board of Niagara’s Guiding Principles and advisories from the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and unions like ETFO and OECTA, here are key strategies every educator should embrace to protect themselves and their students in our digital world.

1. Understand the Platform, And Its Purpose

Before using any tool, whether it’s a blog, Zoom, Wakelet, or Padlet, take time to understand how it works, how it stores data, and whether it aligns with board-approved resources. According to the DSBN, technology must be used for its intended educational purpose and should be selected for its ability to support student achievement. Avoid using personal accounts or unfamiliar third-party apps without approval.

Pro tip: Stick to DSBN-approved tools and keep all digital communication on official channels, never use personal emails or social media to interact with students.

2. Model Safe, Inclusive Digital Citizenship

Students learn by watching. When teachers model responsible digital behavior, crediting sources, using respectful language, maintaining boundaries, they help normalize those behaviors. This not only supports inclusivity and equity, but it also destigmatizes assistive technology (like Immersive Reader or TTS tools) by treating them as part of everyday learning.

Quick example: Having students create a class blog? Use it as a real-world lesson in copyright, tone, accessibility, and digital footprints.

3. Maintain Professional Boundaries

As outlined in the OCT’s advisory “Maintaining Professionalism”, it’s crucial that educators remember they are always in a position of authority, even online. Avoid becoming too informal, using emojis, private messaging students, or sharing personal opinions that could undermine your professional role.

When in doubt: If you wouldn’t say or share it in a classroom full of parents and administrators, don’t post it online.

4. Limit What You Share, And Where You Share It

Personal materials, conversations, and even memes shared on public or class-facing platforms can create misunderstanding or liability. DSBN guidelines remind us that anything created or stored on Board technology is Board-owned and can be accessed at any time. This means teachers should never assume privacy on school devices or networks.

Best practice: Store student data only on DSBN-approved cloud systems (e.g., Google Drive for Education) and avoid saving files on personal devices.

5. Stay Current, And Ask Questions

Technology changes fast. Platforms update policies, tools evolve, and student needs shift. Teachers should take initiative to engage in board-provided PD, webinars, and tech training to ensure they’re always using current best practices. If you're unsure whether a tool is safe or compliant, consult your school’s tech lead or district technology consultant.

Suggested interview question: “How can teachers stay current with the ever-changing world of educational technology, and what supports exist when they don’t know where to begin?”

6. Protect Student Privacy at All Costs

Privacy isn't optional. Whether you're assigning online presentations or posting classroom updates on a blog, it’s vital to follow consent protocols and avoid sharing identifying information or student images without proper permission. This applies especially when using classroom websites or social media platforms.

Key reminder from DSBN: Students must use digital tools lawfully and respectfully, and teachers must lead the way by ensuring compliance with federal and provincial legislation.

7. Recognize and Address the Digital Divide

Accessibility isn't just about devices, it’s about equity. Students with disabilities or limited access to Wi-Fi at home may be disproportionately impacted by digital-first learning. Tools like screen magnifiers, text-to-speech, or voice-to-text can help bridge that gap, if educators model and normalize their use.

Reflection prompt: What does equity in e-learning look like, and how can we redesign lessons so every student can succeed?

Final Thoughts

Social media and technology are powerful educational tools, only when used with intention, professionalism, and care. As educators, we have the responsibility not only to use these tools well, but to model how to use them ethically, inclusively, and safely. In doing so, we empower our students to be not just better learners, but better digital citizens.

Stay current, stay cautious, and most importantly, stay human.

ETFO – Professional Judgement Guidelines

OCT Professional Advisory – Use of Electronic Communication

DSBN Policy D-06 – Internet and Email Usage

DSBN Policy D-01 – Digital Technology