Parents must engage with their children and the way they are using social media

The story about the increase in sexual misconduct incidents involving teachers and students is an important reminder to parents — it’s essential they are engaged with their children and the way they are using social media, writes parenting expert Justin Coulson.

• Teachers and students ‘crossing the line’

Stories like that revealed by The Daily Telegraph about the increase in sexual misconduct incidents between teachers and students provide an important reminder to parents — it’s essential they are engaged with their children and the way they are using social media.

I work in hundreds of schools and the best ones are very clear that teachers should not be having social media connections with their students.

Justin Coulson is one of Australia’s leading parenting experts. Picture: Mark Cranitch

Parents must remember that children are at the greatest risk of harm and abuse by people known and trusted to the child — sometimes the whole family.

That is why it is so important to have regular conversations with kids about why it is not appropriate to engage with teachers and other professionals on social media.

The only place that is appropriate to speak with a teacher online is an education department or school platform where interactions can be monitored. There are appropriate safety and security measures on these platforms.

Parents have got to emphasise, maybe using this article as a starting point, if anything unsafe is ever discussed with them by any adult, whether a teacher or medical professional or sports coach or church leader, that their children should feel safe in coming to them and tell them what’s going on.

Conversations about safety and healthy relationships would go a long way in alleviating these issues.

Dr Justin Coulson is one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, a best-selling author, and dad to 6 daughters.