Kids need to know you care, said 24-year educator Ed Murrell, a counselor at Hunter High School. He also coaches cross country and track and has instructed history.

"A great teacher has to have a human connection with these students," Murrell said. "But there is a fine line we can never cross."

Prevention is the key.

Dee Wright, public relations director for the Murray School District, said the district tells teachers to "use technology in an appropriate manner."

Common sense must prevail when it comes to e-mailing, texting and social network sites, Wright said. "Social media is a double-edged sword."

Davis School District policy specifically states educators "not make inappropriate contact in any communication — written, verbal, or electronic" with students or colleagues.

Administrators generally review policy with teachers at the beginning of each school year. Some, such as the Jordan School District, make the educators sign a statement saying they have read and understand the rules.

Ron Halbert, a 22-year teacher who teaches physical education at Indian Hills Middle School, said his district is quite specific: Don't ever be in the classroom alone with a student; don't give students rides.

Group activities must include common sense, Halbert said, recalling a teacher who had a barbecue for students but then topped it off with a hot-tub party.

"The best thing to do is don't put yourself in a situation where something could happen," he said. "Be there as a group — not just one person. That way the student can't come up with a story."

Evans even advises teachers to not cover up their classroom windows with posters.

Brent Hawkins, who has taught math and physical education at Riverton High School for 14 years, said he not only leaves his classroom door open when he meets with a female student, he notifies his colleagues of the meeting.

"You have to be conscious of this because you hear of these cases out there," he said.

Touching raises another red flag. Hawkins said he feels a pat on the back is OK, "but you have to be careful how you do it."

Touching can be such a gray area, Evans said. Teachers need to use common sense and differentiate between a handshake, a one-armed hug and a full-frontal hug.

"Teachers just need to be ultra-careful," Evans said. "You can't be touchy-feely anymore. It's not worth going to court over."

McCoy agrees. "Hugs are a high-risk behavior. You're just setting yourself up."

It is frustrating for educators, McCoy said. "Some teachers tell me the only affection the kids get is when I give them a hug," he said. "It's dangerous."

Colleges and universities strive to prepare education students as best they can for the real world of leading a classroom full of kids.