(6-27-25) A new law, Kentucky Senate Bill 181, went into effect today for Kentucky High School Coaches. The Bill has caused controversy around the state.

Any Kentucky high school coach who likes, retweets or comments on a high school athlete’s college commitment will be in direct violation of state law.

SB 181 Limits Student, Teacher Communication

LEX18

Kentucky is implementing the new law, Senate Bill 181, that restricts electronic communication between teachers, coaches, and students, including social media. This law aims to prevent child sexual abuse by ensuring all electronic communication between school staff and students is traceable and limited to approved school platforms. Specifically, coaches are prohibited from texting students, using messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, and interacting with student posts on social media. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • Restricted Communication: The law bans private communication between coaches and students via text, messaging apps, and social media. 

Traceable Platforms:

School staff must use designated, traceable systems for electronic communication with students. 

Parental Consent:

In some cases, parents or guardians may need to provide consent for coaches to communicate with students outside of the approved platforms. 

Social Media Restrictions:

Coaches are not allowed to like, retweet, or comment on student posts on social media, including highlight videos. 

Goal of Preventing Abuse:

The law’s primary purpose is to prevent inappropriate relationships and potential sexual abuse by increasing transparency and accountability in teacher-student communication, according to WDRB. 

District Implementation:

Individual school districts are responsible for determining which platforms are approved for staff to use for contacting students. 

Examples of Approved Platforms:

Some districts are considering platforms like ParentSquare for communication, according to the Lexington Herald Leader.