The Kentucky Education Association has issued a list of recommendations to help public school educators navigate compliance with Senate Bill 181, a new law regulating electronic communication between school staff and students.
Under the guidance, KEA is urging teachers and staff not to use personal phones, emails, or social media to contact students, except in cases where the student is a family member.
Educators are advised to only use district-approved programs or applications on school-issued devices such as laptops, tablets, or work phones for all student communication.
To stay compliant, educators are also encouraged to follow local board policy and never provide students with personal contact information, including cell phone numbers, personal email addresses, or social media profiles.
If communication outside of school-approved platforms is necessary, KEA strongly advises that staff obtain written parental consent and file a copy with the school’s administration office before any interaction takes place. Educators should also keep their own copy of the consent.
Additionally, the association warns against responding to any unsolicited messages from students sent outside official platforms unless parental consent has been documented and filed.
For those involved in non-school activities—such as youth sports, community groups, or religious organizations—that require outside communication with students, KEA recommends reaching out to a Uniserv Director for individual guidance before proceeding.
Finally, the association urges educators not to stress over hypothetical issues, but to consult KEA for legal advice in any real-life scenario that may conflict with SB181.
The recommendations are designed to protect educators’ privacy and ensure compliance with the law while preserving appropriate and safe interactions with students.
