Can Educational Policy Makers Stop the Evolution of Communication?

In a recent administration class, my colleagues and I had an intense discussion about Facebook and schools’ acceptance of social media. In part, my views were tailored from an enlightening presentation by Jeff Utecht on information literacy, education, and today's opportunities to reach students. 

When we discuss whether or not to block Facebook because of what students may stumble upon, say, or do. Facebook isn’t the issue. What students are saying and doing is. The same may be said for policies that prevent/discipline teachers from connecting with students beyond the classroom through social media such as Facebook. It’s not the tool, it is the behavior. If we have teachers posting inappropriate comments, pictures, etc...if they are willing to put those [lets call them] views online, what are they saying and doing in the classroom?!? It's the behavior (which should already be covered in school policy, correct?).

Society is evolving, norms are changing, and some educators/policy makers are trying to stop it/ban it? It can’t be stopped. Therefore, we must adapt. We must be technology and information literate leaders - EDUCATORS. Communication has transformed itself and educators need to be ever-present demonstrating etiquette, modeling appropriate behavior, and leading the charge (in and out of the classroom - 24/7 role model came with the teaching/administration gig). 

Part of the reason that Facebook has earned the reputation it has is because it’s been unmonitored for the most part... not that monitoring is what I'm advocating. The more that adults and our tech-social students interact online, the greater chance we have to influence and engage them in behavior we can all be proud of (that is - if the educators interacting with students are positive role models to begin with)....



Agree? Disagree? Feel free to challenge my thinking. 
I'm learning.