Aust teachers to embrace Facebook

Teachers in Australia have been granted permission to use Facebook, Twitter and other social media in the classroom, the Sydney Morning Herald reported today.

Students are still blocked, however.

The former Labor government decided teachers should be able to access social media, because of the benefits it would bring.

A Department of Education spokeswoman said the change would help improve communication between schools and their communities.

It would also give staff a "greater understanding of technology being used by students".

A spokesman for the Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli, told SMH the change would also help teachers combat cyber bullying.

Teachers have also been given ample warning about the dangers inherent in "friending" students.

- AGENCIES