The General Teaching Council heard 336 cases of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ last year and 43 of these involved the use of online chatrooms and email. Consequences may vary from internal disciplinary action, to the involvement of outside agencies such as the police. Examples of communications ‘outside the boundaries of the professional teacher/student relationship’ or ‘a breach of the standards expected’ are included in the article. Staff in FE and HE should be very wary of potential risks when considering befriending students and consult any institutional policy on the matter. Having a separate professional account may prevent confusion. Institutions are reminded to update acceptable use policies to include the use of social media. More information on this issue can be accessed on the JISC Legal website. http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk/ManageContent/ViewDetail/ArticleType/ArticleView/ArticleID/2115.aspx)