Social Media Monitoring in K-12 Schools: Civil and Human Rights Concerns

Some schools and school districts are turning to social media monitoring as a response to the threat of mass shootings. Companies are marketing services claiming to identify sexual content and drug and alcohol use; prevent mass violence, self-harm, and bullying; and flag students who may be struggling with academic or mental health issues and need help. However, this report argues that social media monitoring software for schools is experimental, has limited efficacy, and is not a reliable method to predict mass violence. Rather, such monitoring techniques invade students’ privacy, discourage students from engaging in activities that are critical for their development, and disproportionately burden minority, underserved, or vulnerable students.