"The pen is mightier than the sword." Many people are familiar with this phrase that was coined by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839. The idea behind this phrase is to indicate that communication is a more effective tool than violence. There is no denying the power of the written word. While the original phrase was coined so long ago, I feel an updated version of it might be, "The keyboard is mightier than the pen."

As you know, social media is any form of online publication or presence that allows end users to engage in multi-directional conversations. Social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snap Chat, blogs and the countless other social media outlets are readily available to anyone with a computer, cell phone or other personal electronic device. The value of using social media is undeniable. It is a great way to catch up with long lost friends, brag about your children for their various accomplishments, show pictures of your latest adventures and countless other things.

 

Social media is a powerful communication tool. There really is no other way to reach the magnitude of people in such a short time. Information can be pushed out to thousands of people in a matter of seconds. As with anything that is so prevalent in our society, there is great potential to misuse social media. Ben Franklin Academy is fortunate to have multiple communication outlets to inform parents about the school, events at school, homework and general information.

 

Lately, I have seen an increased number of posts on Facebook that are critical of teachers or grade level. Posts are made that range from not entirely accurate to completely inaccurate. Unfortunately, these posts gain a following with other people commenting and/or expressing their support for the author by agreeing with his/her displeasure about a teacher or grade level. Many times the information posted is based on a frustration an individual is having; however, there are times when the information is inaccurate and could have been solved by contacting the teacher first. 

1. Directly contact the teacher or staff member (if unsure which teacher to address, the parent should start with the student's homeroom teacher) regarding the issue by email. The teacher or staff member will return contact within 48 hours. The parent may not proceed to step 2 until this discussion has taken place.
2. If the issue cannot be resolved at the teacher or staff level, the parent should next discuss the issue with the Assistant Principal or Principal.
3. If the issue cannot be resolved by the Assistant Principal or Principal, the parent should next contact the BFA Board of Directors (Board) President.

 

• Be transparent. Do not misrepresent who you are. Never assume the identity of another person.
• Be reflective. Think before you communicate online. If you are upset or angry, give yourself time to calm down. Consider whether a negative communication you receive even requires a response. If it does, respond factually, not emotionally.
• Be respectful. Employees, parents and students are a diverse group of people with many different customs, viewpoints and beliefs. Communications that are racist, threatening or bullying are never appropriate. Broad generalizations ("all teachers ...," "all students ...") are almost never accurate.
• Be factual. Add to the information available to others, not just the noise.
• Write well. In a school environment, everyone should try to express themselves effectively. Re-read your posts or emails for form and content. Check spelling, avoid slang and do not use excessive abbreviations. Use proper grammar, capitalization and punctuation. Send a polished communication, not a confused draft.
• Own your mistakes. If you make a mistake, correct it. If another calls you on a mistake, own up to it. Apologize, if an apology is due.
• Keep confidences. Do not violate the privacy of others. Social media may seem private, but it is both public and durable - many people you don't know are likely to see what you write or post, and it may last for a very, very long time.
• Make proper attributions. Follow copyright law and fair use protocols. When quoting or relying on another's work, make a proper citation to your source. When using a hyperlink, double check that it goes to the correct place and to appropriate content.
• Be smart. People often share too much information electronically. People who reveal the names of their pets, parents, children or other details may give hackers the clues to passwords. Information about planned vacations can be used by burglars. Think about how information can be used and misused.
• Behavior that is Unacceptable in Person is Unacceptable Online. If you would not say it in person, do not say it online.
• Discourage Rumors. Do not rely upon or pass on unsubstantiated information or gossip. If information seems unlikely and inflammatory, it is most likely untrue and inflammatory. When in doubt, go directly to the source.
• Respect Confidentiality. Many personnel issues and many issues involving other families and students are legitimately confidential (and many are confidential by law). Do not share information about others if you would not like that information shared about you.
• Debate Issues Constructively. Schools often face legitimate controversies. BFA respects and solicits parent voices in addressing such issues. Effective arguments are usually civil, measured, well-supported and take into account the legitimate reasons for opposing views. Ineffective arguments are abusive, disrespectful of others and marked by hyperbole or factual carelessness.

• Thank you to all of the staff at BFA. It is truly the best staff anyone could hope for. Their hard work and dedication to the students is unparalleled.
• My compliments to the parents of all of our students. You have made a choice to send your child to Ben Franklin Academy. You wanted something better for your child and put in the extra effort to get your child to school each day.
• What an amazing group of kids we have at BFA. Students range in ages from 3 to 14 years old. They work hard every day and have helped create a school environment where everyone is welcome.