JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri judge is weighing a request to stop a new law restricting the use of social networking sites by teachers from taking effect Sunday.
Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem heard arguments Wednesday on the motion by several teachers and the Missouri State Teachers Association for an injunction blocking the law's enforcement.
The measure prohibits private communication through websites such as Facebook between teachers and current students or former students who are still minors. It also requires school districts to develop policies on electronic communication.
An attorney for the teachers argues the restrictions are too broad, curtail free speech and could inhibit how children are taught.
The attorney general's office contends teachers' behavior is already regulated by policies, and the new law is a reasonable update accounting for new technology.