O consider creating a separate online e-mail account through Hotmail or Gmail or a similar service 

with minimal personal information specifically for using online services without giving out your 
personal e-mail and/or address information.

For further information contact your local ETFO president or professional relations staff (PRS) in protective 
services at 416-962-3836 or 1-888-838-3836.

The Hidden Dangers of Electronic Communications

The issue of electronic communication, cyberbullying, defamatory websites, and social networking 

sites have been the topic of numerous ETFO publications over the past few years. In an effort to be 
proactive and prevent possible difficulties, we have advised members to be extremely cautious when 
communicating electronically with students as well as parents.

In PRS Matters #48, entitled, ‘Electronic Communications’, the issue of electronic abuse was explored 
in detail. Members were provided with strategies to deal with inappropriate student electronic 
communications.

In PRS Matters #43, entitled, ‘Changes to the Safe Schools Act Bill 212: What You Need to Know’, we outlined 
the changes to the Act, especially the inclusion of cyberbullying on the list of infractions that may lead to 
suspensions.

In PRS Matters #46, entitled, ‘Defamatory Websites and Social Networking Pages’, we outlined 
the difficulties associated with having defamatory messages removed from websites such as  
www.ratemyteacher.com

.

In addition, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation has developed a handy pamphlet entitled, ‘Cybertips 
for Teachers’ and presented a brief to the Department of Justice Canada on the topic, “Addressing 
Cyberconduct.” The brief calls for the government to recognize the very negative impact of the misuse of 
technology by supporting amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada that make it clear that the use of 
information and communication technology to convey a message that threatens death or bodily harm, or 
perpetuates fear and intimidation in another constitutes a punishable offence under the Criminal Code.

TIPS

General

O Always maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions with students, parents, 

colleagues, and administrators.

O Failure to communicate appropriately puts teaches at risk with the employer, College of 

Teachers, Children’s Aid Society, and police.

O Do not e-mail students or communicate via instant messaging services.
O Always maintain professional boundaries and avoid communications that could be 

interpreted as personal.

O It may be inadvisable to use your home/personal computer for contact with parents or 

students.

38

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