Facebook and texting guidelines part of new teachers’ code

RULES on inappropriate Facebook contact or texting of students are to be added to the professional code of conduct for teachers.

But anyone who breaches proposed new standards can not yet be disciplined by the Teaching Council as it still has no legal powers to investigate complaints or strike a teacher off its register.

The code of professional conduct for teachers has been reviewed and a more detailed set of standards in relation to behaviour, teaching practice and professional development is about to go out for consultation. A council spokesperson said that, while the revisions are subject to possible changes, it is significant for the profession and the wider education community.