Yaffa Ben-David: "Teachers should not be contacted via WhatsApp"; Parents: "It harms the direct connection"

Following the publication in "HaYom" regarding the Director-General's circular that limits parents' contact with teachers, the head of the Teachers' Union, Yaffa Ben-David, clarified to teaching staff that they should not be contacted via personal WhatsApp, and that every school must define professional and official means of communication.

On the Teachers' Union website, Ben-David published a reference to the circular, emphasizing that its purpose is to create a clear separation between the personal and professional space of teaching staff. According to her, the circular ensures that the connection between parents and educational teams is maintained while preserving a clear distinction between these two spheres.

Ben-David clarified that, from her perspective, a teacher's private phone number should not serve as a professional means of communication. "The mobile phone and the phone number of the teaching staff member are personal and private. The private phone is not a service center, and the personal number is not a professional communication channel open for inquiries," she stated.

Furthermore, Ben-David determined unequivocally that communication should not be conducted via personal WhatsApp accounts. "Parents should not be directed to the personal WhatsApp of the teaching staff member, and staff should not be required to read messages or respond to inquiries through it. This is not just about limiting response hours, but about preserving the separation between the professional space of teaching staff and their private lives," she added.

According to Ben-David, the responsibility for finding an alternative lies with the educational institutions, which are required to establish professional and official communication channels, such as institutional email or other digital systems chosen by the school.

"There are no two sides fighting each other here"

The National Parent Leadership criticized Ben-David's stance, arguing that limiting communication methods might harm the connection between parents and educational teams. "Repeated attempts to dictate one exclusive way of communicating create unnecessary tension and harm the discourse that is supposed to be based on partnership," they stated.

They emphasized that parents and teachers should not be seen as rival sides. "There are no two sides fighting each other here. Parents and teachers are partners, and our goal is one: the good of the children. The public appreciates and respects the dedicated work of principals and teachers, especially in these complex times." They further argued that limiting communication to email is not suitable for the reality on the ground, and messages about "enforcement without compromise" do not contribute to a respectful discourse.

However, the Parent Leadership clarified that they support preserving the privacy and time of teaching staff, but believe that the way to do so is by setting boundaries through agreement rather than cutting off communication channels. "Mutual respect and clear boundaries are the basis for any good relationship. WhatsApp and phone calls are central and available tools. School administrations and teams should determine together with parents what is the appropriate way of communication for each community."

In conclusion, the Parent Leadership called to avoid confrontation and to continue maintaining a direct and respectful connection. "The good of the children, alongside preserving the dignity and privacy of educational teams, must stand at the center. Clear boundaries are not built through unilateral guidelines or threats of enforcement; they are built through dialogue, respect, and partnership."