Manitoba sets new limits on online messages between school staff and students

Manitoba is directing all publicly funded schools and school divisions to update their digital communication policies.

What changes

• Staff may not communicate one-to-one with students through personal social media accounts, private messaging apps, texting or social-network messaging features.
• For exceptional student needs, school administration must approve another arrangement in advance. Parents or caregivers must be included in the communication or advised of it.
• Exceptions may also apply to existing family or personal relationships.

Schools must share their revised guidelines with students, staff and families in their communities.