An
assistant principal who posted racy photographs of herself on
her Facebook profile faces a review by her school's board of
trustees after the images circulated among her students.
Kylie Fullerton, who teaches at Glen Eden Intermediate School
in Auckland, is understood to have uploaded a photograph of
herself in a red bikini and set it as her main Facebook
profile picture.
On the same profile the 34-year-old had details about where
she worked and another photo of herself in high heels, black
lace underwear and a white shirt.
Those photos were reportedly linked to the school's official
website through her Facebook page.
Ms Fullerton did not respond to the Herald, but her
principal, Terry Hewetson, and board of trustees chairman
Patrick Baker issued a statement last night.
"The actions of the teacher occurred outside of school. They
were undertaken by her as a private individual," they said.
"Nevertheless the school trustees are mindful of their
responsibilities to their pupils and their school. They will
meet to discuss the matter and determine what steps are
required ... Given that this is now under review by the
school trustees it would be quite inappropriate to comment
further."
The incident prompted warnings to teachers about their online
privacy settings and who might have access to their personal
information.
The Post Primary Teachers' Association ICT Advisory Committee
said teachers should be aware that people might associate
their online activity with their school or job.
"Injudicious publication of personal information can provide
opportunities for dishonest and opportunistic individuals to
explore, gather, distribute and manipulate personal
information about other people, without their knowledge
and/or consent and may provide opportunities for identity
thieves," the committee said in guidelines on the PPTA
website.
Keep safe online
Do not post, in any forum, information you would not feel
comfortable sharing with a stranger or embarrassing material.
Use the privacy tools available to control access.
Reconsider the amount of detail you reveal about yourself
online.
Have a neutral picture of yourself as your profile image on
social networking sites.
- Anna Leask, NZ Herald
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