Parents today are navigating a digital landscape unlike anything they experienced as kids. Social media has become a key part of teenage life, but even innocent posts can be misinterpreted and lead to serious real-world consequences such as school discipline or expulsion. Understanding the balance between free expression, fairness, and accountability is essential for helping students stay safe online and protected at school.
One of the most striking examples involves two students expelled from a private California high school after an old photo was misrepresented online.
At age fourteen, the boys took photos while wearing acne facemasks at a sleepover.
Years later, during national unrest following George Floyd’s murder, the photo resurfaced and was falsely labeled as “blackface.”
Under community pressure, the
school expelled the boys without giving them a chance to explain.
After years of litigation, a jury cleared their names and awarded over one million dollars in damages.
Social media posts live forever and can be taken out of context. Schools under public pressure sometimes make hasty disciplinary decisions that harm students’ reputations and emotional well-being.
When discipline arises, there are three groups in motion:
Students who are still learning judgment and may not anticipate how their posts are interpreted.
Parents and caregivers who bring strong views about what is acceptable speech.
Administrators who must balance
privacy laws, fairness, and community expectations—often with limited training and tight timeline.
A school’s process may not always be fair or thorough. Parents must be proactive in protecting their child’s rights.
The rights available to your child depend on whether they attend a public or private school.
Whether your child attends a public or private school, there are rules that limit how schools can discipline students. Knowing these rules early can make a critical difference
Written communication and calm persistence protect your family’s KEY TAKEAWAY position and build a clear record.
Raising students in a digital world requires awareness, empathy, and preparation. By understanding both the legal landscape and the emotional toll of online life, parents can better guide their children through challenges that previous generations never faced.