Wallingford school may monitor social media

WALLINGFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Students in Wallingford may want to think twice before posting offensive or negative things on social media sites.

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace, wherever your kids hang out online; the Wallingford school administrators may be watching. The Board of Ed. is reviewing a new policy that would allow them to discipline students for their online comments, even when they're not posting them at school.

"I think it's kind of ridiculous, I mean, it's our time, we're at home," said junior Taryn Chester.

Taryn's first reaction to the proposal was outrage, but when she thought about it that changed.

"I mean, if we're bullying someone that really doesn't have a say then yes, they should be able to come in and stop that," Taryn said.

Free speech versus responsible use of technology, it's still a grey area, academically and legally.

Back in 2007, Burlington student Avery Doninger brought a federal lawsuit stating her civil liberties were violated after she was barred from running for class secretary. The reason was that she had made disparaging comments about administrators on a personal blog. Her case went to the 2nd U.S. court of appeals in Manhattan, but the courts ruled that the school did have the right to discipline her.

So Wallingford's proposal is certainly not unprecedented, but students tell News 8 it is a fine line.

"I think that it should be implemented," said junior Josh Godek, "but it could be taken in the wrong way."

Josh says something like a joke could be easily misunderstood, and he wouldn't want to see students censored. All the teens News 8 talked to said they should be able to blow off steam online, rant a little about their tests and their teachers. However, they admit they've seen it get out of hand and some of what you see online just shouldn't be allowed.

"I've seen a few things, they weren't that bad, but I do say it was kind of inappropriate and uncalled for," said junior Ryan McKeon.

The proposal was presented at the school board meeting Monday night. The board is now reviewing it, and it is expected to be voted on November 19th.