Mothers say it, teachers say it, even managers say it: not everything is meant to be posted on social media. When applying for jobs or even scholarships, often times a person’s social media is fair game for judgment.

Contrary to popular belief, school administration does not monitor student social media “unless somebody brings something to our attention or there is an issue,” says assistant principal Heather Patterson. While many students think that administration monitors social media, posts about weekend or after school activities are not usually grounds for administration to concern themselves with.

However, there are cases in which the school must become involved. It is well-known that some students post on social media during the day, and at times, they cross the line. Principal Dan Serrano explains, “If things happen after school or on Saturday, that’s different than what happens during the school day.” Inappropriate posts during the day or about things done at school can become a bigger problem than things done on the weekend.

There are a few common issues that are found with social media. Patterson says: “the common thing is kids smoking a vape pen in class and someone takes a screenshot and it ends up with administration and we act on that.” Often times after something like that is out there, complaints made by either parents or students and they end up with administration. “A lot of times we’ll get a phone call about something someone posted” says Serrano.

Altercations between students are another common issue on social media. Usually, a report comes back to the school about students going back and forth. “Every situation is different” says Patterson, “we are zero tolerance for bullying and cyberbullying.” More often than not however, “all it takes is just calling them in and telling them to stop” says Patterson.

There have also been issues deal in with cheating. A new way for students to cheat is taking pictures or recording teachers giving out answers. Economics teacher Tracy Gibson has had experience with these conflicts. “[Social media] has given the ability for people to take pictures of everything and anything and record everything” she says “Whenever you’re innovative in a positive way, there are setbacks that come with it.” Technology has not changed why people do things, just how, “It’s not that people are more tended to do bad things, it’s that they have found an easier way to do it,” says Gibson.

Regardless, the greatest concern with social media is safety. Issues range but when the safety of a student or the school is in jeopardy, action must be taken. “Anything that interrupts the educational environment or students on this campus, or the safety of this campus, I will look at,” says Patterson. There have been instances at Perry earlier this year in which social media was a vital part of keeping the school safe.

Recent social media scandals are reminders to think before posting. As advancement in technology continues, people are going to have to advance as well to the new parts life, work and school.