The Department of Education (DepEd) has recently issued Department Order No. 49. This, according to the DepEd, will create a line between teachers and learners on social media platforms.
The said department order directs all DepEd personnel to “avoid relationships, interaction, communication, including following social media with learners outside of the school setting, except if they are relatives.”
However, DepEd spokesman Atty. Michael Poa clarified that it does not prohibit teachers from using social media. It merely asks the teachers to “avoid following” their students and uphold professionalism.
“We are not ordering teachers not to use social media. What we are saying is there should be a line between teachers and the learners. Once teachers cross that line, it might create a lot of problems,” Poa said.
He further added that previous cases of sexual abuse involving teachers and students were done through private messages on social media.
Nevertheless, teachers and their students could still be “friends” on social media and create group chats but must strictly discuss school-related matters according to the DepEd spokesman.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who is also an education secretary, further explained that the order was intended to minimize biases on the part of teachers and prevent “criminal” incidents from happening.
featured photo courtesy of Rouelle Umali
