In the latest edition of the MCPS IT Wire, it was shared that “Effective beginning Thursday, August 1, 2024, high school students will be unable to access Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram while connected to the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) network.”
MCPS network access to these platforms will remain in place for staff. Staff must abide by Social Media Best Practices when using these non-MCPS communication tools. Rationale:
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Stakeholders have shared concerns about student access to social media during the school day and expressed interest in limiting social media access among students on the MCPS network. These concerns and interests align with MCPS’s commitment to digital balance, improved mental health and well-being, and greater emphasis on student data privacy.
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In May 2023, the Surgeon General released an advisory about the effects of social media use on youth mental health. While access to other social media sites has been blocked for students, access to Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram has been permitted at the high school level. These three platforms will be blocked in the upcoming school year to protect student data privacy, prioritize safety and health, and promote digital balance during the school day.
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MCPS provides many online tools to safely communicate with our community, including Synergy, ParentVUE, Google Workspace, Canvas, Remind 101, and ConnectED. While social media is one strategic communication tool, it should supplement and not replace MCPS-purchased tools.