North Putnam looks at use of social media monitoring program

BAINBRIDGE -- A heated discussion provided the opener for Thursday's North Putnam School Board meeting.

The reason for the exchange of views was North Putnam's implementation of a new security feature, Social NetWatcher.

Social NetWatcher is a program used to help monitor social media networks for specific data. In the case for the schools, it involves any words that could imply bullying, violence or suicide.

It is a system that runs on Cloud, which means that is similar to other Facebook applications that people sign up for that run in the background when the social media site is in use.

North Putnam School Corporation Superintendent Dan Noel first brought the media watcher to the attention of the school board in February. He explained that students would have the option of signing up for the service and that it would be used to help keep students safe.

The cost of the service was $4,500. Students were introduced to Social NetWatcher this past week.

"Where I come from this is to help with bullying," Noel said. "This is another avenue to stop these things."

Parents were sent an email before the program was brought to the students and another when students were given the chance to sign up for Social NetWatcher.

School board Vice President Oliver Haste brought up a complaint he had with how the service was presented to parents. He was also concerned that the service asked for the passwords of the students.

"I understand that's how it is in the world today. It's turn over your privacy rights, turn over your freedom and we'll take care of you, we'll keep you safe," Haste said. "I don't understand how it enhances an education, monitoring every Facebook post."

Haste went on to say that what it amounted to was a contract by default with the school and company. While being adamant about being "100 percent about the safety of the children," he recommended that the school "opt out" of using the service.

Other school board members Travis Lambermont and Jill Summerlot, advocated for the continue use of the service.

"If this helps just one child from being bullied it is worth it." Lambermont said.

Summerlot had the same sentiments.

"Why 'opt out' if we can save one kid's life?" Summerlot questioned.

Haste and board president John Hays were more concerned with parental rights and thinking that the school corporation was overstepping. Haste stated that he was unwilling to give up privacy of students and parents.

Lambermont countered Haste's argument by saying that parents had the chance to opt out of the service, and if they wanted to take a child off the service that had already been started.

In the end Haste's recommendation to discontinue use of the program was rejected, but more information will be sent to parents about Social NetWatcher and how students can be signed up for service or opt out.