By Darrell Moten
Staff Writer
For this generation of children, their smartphone is their main resource for communication, especially through social media. Apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter make it easier to contact and stay up to date with their friends.
For safety reasons, Woodlynde School implemented a rule that prohibits students from taking personal photos or videos on school campus and posting them on social media. This rule thus limits student interaction with the online world while at school and has caused confusion and frustration.
“It’s stupid because, during the day when we are in between classes, people like to take pictures with their friends. It was fun,” sophomore Kendra Hyvarinen said.
However, there are others who believe the rule is helpful. “I think it’s a good rule because I don’t think anybody would want their face ...on someone’s social media” without their consent, freshman Connor Seits said.
Dean of Students Mr. Shank said the rule was enacted to protect students’ safety. Pictures and videos of students, he said, are considered “personal information.”
“The rule helps to respect each individual’s privacy and their right to control how and for what purposes their personal information is used. The rule also keeps students safe and feeling safe,” he said.
“If we become aware that a student has taken a photo or video without permission, the student is reminded of the rule and the photo or video is deleted. Families would be made aware of the event,” Mr. Shank warned. “If you get caught doing this a second time, detentions will be handed out.”
But the thing that the administration seems to be missing is that social media has gotten to the point where it’s an obsession for people. Students use social media 24/7 and can’t help but reply to their friends on Snapchat or comment on someone's Instagram post.
Therefore, students feel like they have to take photos during school hours.
While this rule was implemented more than a year and a half ago, some students still aren’t aware of its existence.
“Students are reminded at the start of each year during the orientation period and the policies are in our student handbook,” Mr. Shank said.
“Sure, it is possible that students do not know the rule. That being said, by virtue of being a student at Woodlynde, it is each student’s responsibility to know the rules which are in the student handbook.”
As technology advances, so will the school rules. Students will have to adapt to them, whether they like it or not.
But there could be another way to fix this problem, as suggested by junior Wyatt Migliaccio.
“... I just think [if you are taking a photo with someone and posting it on social media], you should have the kid’s permission.”
“If the kid doesn’t want to be in the photo, then you shouldn’t be allowed [to post it]. But if the kid is cool with it, then it’s not a big deal.”
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