Teachers "friending" pupils on social media

[Fran17]

Oh dear, it is a bit worrying isn't it. I worry for the teachers as much as I do for the children. I just spoke to my 17 year old about this. He has a wonderful relationship with his sixth form teachers, particularly the History/Politics Department, they tease him all the time. Having said this, there is a great deal of respect and trust in that relationship and he has told me he wouldn't consider befriending them, and is positive they wouldn't entertain the idea of befriending him.

[moved]

I regularly have friend requests from my pupils. We are a small school with a family atmosphere; however, I decline all such requests as I wish to be able to use Facebook without work clogging up my wall. Teenage children post such an enormous amount of drivel!