The Manitoba government is issuing a directive to all publicly funded schools and school divisions to revise policies and practices around digital communications, banning one-to-one online communications between school employees and students on unmonitored platforms to protect students, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today.

“Teachers have to be able to talk to their students about school. But there should never be a reason to hide that conversation from the eyes of parents or school leaders,” said Schmidt.  “Families should be able to expect that any time a teacher talks to their students, it’s about school. Our directive will keep kids safe, set expectations for parents and give educators the guidelines they need.”

School employees will be prohibited from communicating or interacting with students through personal social media accounts, private messaging applications, texting or messaging features on social networking platforms.

“As educators, the safety of our students is of the utmost importance,” said Marisa Roziere, high school teacher, J.H. Bruns Collegiate. “This policy directive not only reiterates the importance of establishing boundaries surrounding communication between staff and students, but also ensures students and faculty have a clear understanding of what is appropriate and what is not.”

When exceptional circumstances require alternative arrangements to support a student’s safety, accessibility, well-being or learning needs, communication must be approved in advance by school administration, with parents and caregivers included in the communication or advised of it, the minister noted, adding exceptions may also be made for existing family or personal relationships.

All schools will be required to communicate revisions made to their guidelines to students, staff and families in their communities, the minister noted.

“Educators often incorporate online tools to support lessons, and it is essential that these tools are used responsibly in a way that prioritizes students’ safety,” said Lianna McDonald, executive director, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. “Reinforcing clear boundaries when communicating online fosters a safe learning environment in which students can thrive. This directive is a step forward in better safeguarding youth.”

The Manitoba government will continue working with school divisions to ensure schools are safe, supportive and inclusive environments where students can learn, grow and reach their full potential, the minister noted.