The Manitoba government is introducing new rules aimed at strengthening student safety by banning one-to-one communication between school staff and students on unmonitored digital platforms.
Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced that all publicly funded schools and school divisions will be required to update their policies around digital communication. Under the directive, teachers and other school employees will no longer be allowed to communicate with students through personal social media accounts, private messaging apps, text messages or direct messaging features on social networking platforms.
Schmidt said the move is intended to create greater transparency and ensure parents and school administrators can oversee school-related communication between staff and students.
“Teachers have to be able to talk to their students about school. But there should never be a reason to hide that conversation from the eyes of parents or school leaders,” Schmidt said.
The province noted there may be exceptions when alternative communication methods are needed to support a student’s safety, accessibility, well-being or learning needs. In those cases, the communication must be approved in advance by school administration, and parents or caregivers must be included in or informed about the conversation. Exceptions may also apply to existing family or personal relationships.
Marisa Roziere, a teacher at J.H. Bruns Collegiate, said the directive establishes clearer boundaries and expectations for both students and staff.
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection also welcomed the change. Executive Director Lianna McDonald said clear guidelines help create a safer learning environment while ensuring digital tools are used responsibly in educational settings.
School divisions will now be required to communicate any policy changes to students, staff and families.
