Sample Social Media Recommendations and Reminders

School recognizes the value of social media, both for personal and professional use. However, there are some guidelines that should be addressed when educators use social media. The guidelines and reminders below have been posted to better protect (and inform) employees from charges of inappropriate use.

It is strongly recommended that teachers do not friend current students and/or students under 18. We understand there may be exceptions (a relative, a friend's child, etc.). However, as a general rule, it is our recommendation that teachers do not friend students.

It is advised that teachers do not friend students' parents as well. Not all parents are Facebook users, and it may appear unfair if some parents are "friends," while others are not. The school website is equally assessable to all stakeholders with Internet connectivity, and it is the preferred method of disseminating classroom information.

Never forget that on a social networking site, once you post something, it may be available forever, even if you choose to remove it from your page. "Post only what you want the world to see" (Johnson, Blue Skunk Blog).

Remember that others may post pictures of you without your consent. Some of these pictures may be taken at social and/or family gatherings and, posted out of context, may give impressions that are not factual. Consider, for example, if you are with friends or family who have lifestyles contrary to school standards.


Social Media DO NOTs....

Employees should not update Facebook statuses or post content on Facebook during school hours. Stakeholders expect employees to be working during the school day; posting on Facebook during this time may give the impression that teachers are not fulfilling their responsibilities to students.

Never post student work or pictures with students in them without permission from the student (if 18 or older) or his/her parents (for under 18).

 

Do not use Facebook as your sole means of classroom communication. Remember, all parents are not Facebook users, Facebook is blocked in our district, and parents did not give consent for students to have pictures posted on Facebook.

Do not say or do anything (or post pictures) on Facebook that you would not share in the classroom with parents, your school principal, and your school board present.

All email communication between teachers and parents should be conducted through the school mail (not Facebook messages).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfwvuXE2LnM&feature=youtu.be

 

Guidelines for Educators Using Social and Educational Networking Sites