New code suggested for teachers

The current Code of Conduct for teachers was revised five years ago

The professional body for teachers is suggesting a revised code of conduct for the behaviour of its members.

About 80,000 staff would have to sign up to the code, drawn up by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), before they could work in a classroom.

One new recommendation is that teachers should be wary of posting information and photos of their personal lives on social networking websites.

Parents and unions have been invited to give their views on the proposed code.

A GTCS spokesman said the revisions were "part of the process of keeping up with changes in society".

He said in the five years since the code of conduct was last updated, there had been an emergence of new technology such as social networking sites.

Under the draft code, teachers would be unable to give out personal information and contact details on these types of websites.

Matthew MacIver, the chief executive of the GTCS, said: "The code is a guide for teachers as to what is acceptable practice in and out of the classroom and for parents and pupils to know what they should expect from teachers."

The consultation will close at the end of November and the GTCS is hoping the new code will be published in the New Year.