Is it ok for teachers to be friends with their students on Facebook?

[Ephraim]

I was just wondering what the general consensus on this is. Specially with social media growing at such a rapid pace.

[KeithStone]

I think kids would get into lots of trouble this way

[Liam]

its up to the school disctrict they teach in

[Wukong]

All 1800 of my students can contact me by private email, phone, via the schools private website (which includes a couple of "private" rooms, and several forums) or by coming to my office (which has no door) or my home. And they do. Sometimes, one or more is staying is the night with us
Any parent or caregiver can contact me any time too. The same for former students. The same for the entire staff.

My preferred method of talking to anyone is face to face.

I have nothing whatsoever to do with Facebook.

[Nate]

Not really. It wouldn't really be appropriate. And students increase your risk in getting into more trouble since teachers tend to be nosy.