HARLEM SHAKE: Suspensions highlight need for social media policy

An outside investigation into the "Harlem Shake" suspensions at Mound-Westonka High School is just beginning, but the conversation isn't quelled and experts say the incident shows schools need social media policies.

Locally and across the country, people are voicing opinions about the video and the consequences because suspensions are not unique to Mound-Westonka. A USA Today story reported similar suspensions in Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania at five schools in all. Now, experts predict the social media craze could spark policy changes at schools.

Superintendent Kevin Borg not only apologized for the suspensions, but he also put Activities Director Dion Koltes on leave -- but will new rules be made to ensure it doesn't happen again?

Some school districts -- including Burnsville and Eden Prairie -- already have policies regarding such videos, and social media expert Jason Douglas says that's critical.

"Without a policy, kids are going to run a little rampant," he said.

Douglas said he hopes this rash of backlash will be a learning lesson for all schools that don't have clearly-defined social media policies.

"There aren't too many organizations -- especially schools -- that have good policies in place that say what you can and can't do," Douglas explained. "When you have people getting suspended or any controversies around that, it really awakens organizations to say, 'We need policies in place.'"

Douglas also recommends parents speak with their children about what is and isn't appropriate online.