Social Networking Practices in School Psychology: Have Moral Panic Concerns Been Overstated?

ABSTRACT

The almost ubiquitous use of Facebook and other social networking sites (SNSs) by adults in the United States raises important practice considerations for school psychologists. This study examined the SNS practices of school psychologists, graduate trainers, and graduate students to explore (a) SNS use training experiences for school professionals, (b) personal and work-related social networking practices, (c) concerns about potential damage related to SNS use, and (d) beliefs regarding the use of SNSs in professional and preprofessional evaluations. Findings suggest that problematic behaviors on SNSs are more the exception than the norm among these groups. These results are discussed in the context of the literature on SNS practices in professional psychology and moral panic. Practice implications and recommendations are provided.

Keywords:

• social networking
• professional practice
• school psychology