Social Media Networks: A New Debate as Churches 'Friend' More than Schools

The new debate about the use of social networking is changing as some states are now banning teachers from communicating with students on Facebook while churches are using them more often to spread God's message.

With the Internet closing in on television as Americans’ main source of national and international news, churches are increasingly using social-networking applications like Facebook as ministry tools while school districts are forming oppositions and imposing bans on teachers.

The debate about the use of social networking is changing as some states are now banning teachers from communicating with students on Facebook.

Churches that once objected to the use of social sites are beginning to use virtual friendships to spread God’s message with more frequency.

Employees with the Dayton Public School District are no longer allowed to “friend” students on Facebook. Starting this school year, Dayton teachers and staff are prohibited from communicating with students online or over text. They can't "friend," "follow" or chat.

Meanwhile, a new law in Missouri makes it illegal for teachers to privately contact current or former students on Facebook and other social networking sites even as a friend of education. To read more, click here.