Social Media Policy

Currently, my school district does not have a dedicated social media policy. We have a broader Acceptable Use Policy that covers some things relevant to social media, but not all. I worked to create a comprehensive social media policy that would be appropriate for my district.  I started with their Acceptable Use Policy, then researched other districts’ social media policies to enhance and add necessary elements that are directly related to the use of social media and social networking in schools.  The entire document can be found HERE, and the policy I created is below.

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Oakdale School District

Social Media Policy

Introduction

The Oakdale School District realizes that part of 21st century learning is adapting to the changing methods of communication.  The importance of teachers, students, and parents engaging, collaborating, learning, and sharing in these digital environments is a part of of 21st century learning. To this aim, Oakdale School District has developed this policy to outline the guidelines and behaviors that users are expected to follow when using school technologies or when participating in online social media activities. The Oakdale School District encourages employees to use social networking/media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) as a way to connect with others, share educational resources, create and curate educational content, and enhance the classroom experiences, but it is important  to create an atmosphere of trust and individual accountability, keeping in mind that information produced by Oakdale School District teachers and students is a reflection on the entire district and is subject to the district's Acceptable Use Policy.

Things to Remember

• Students, parents and teachers are expected to follow the same rules for good behavior and respectful conduct online as offline.
• Misuse of social media can result in disciplinary action.
• Oakdale School District makes a reasonable effort to ensure students’ safety and security online, but will not be held accountable for any harm or damages that result from misuse of social media technologies.

Expectations of Users

Use good judgment       

• Use good judgment in all situations.
• Know and follow the district’s Code of Conduct and Privacy Policy.
• Regardless of your privacy settings, assume that all of the information you have shared on your social network is public information.

Be respectful       

• Always treat others in a respectful, positive and considerate manner.

Be Responsible and Ethical       

• State that the views expressed in your postings, etc. are your own. Stick with discussing school-related matters that are within your area of responsibility.
• Be open about your affiliation with the school and the role/position you hold.

Don’t Share Confidential Information       

• Do not publish, post or release information that is considered confidential or not public. If it seems confidential, it probably is. Online “conversations” are never private.
• Do not use your birth date, address, and cell phone number on any public website.

Keep Personal Information Private   

• To ensure your safety, be careful about the type and amount of personal information you provide. Avoid talking about personal schedules or situations.
• NEVER give out or transmit personal information of students, parents, peers, or coworkers
• Always respect the privacy of the school community members.

Be Careful When Posting Images  

• Respect brand, trademark, copyright information when using images.
• Do not  post pictures of students without the expressed written consent of their parents.
• Do not post pictures of others (co-workers, etc.) without their permission.

Use Social Networking Sites Properly        

• A significant part of the interaction on blogs, Twitter, Facebook and other social networks involves passing on interesting content or linking to helpful resources. However, the school is ultimately responsible for any content that is shared. Don’t blindly repost a link without looking at the content first.
• How you represent yourself online is an extension of yourself.  Do not misrepresent yourself by using someone else's identity.
• When using Twitter, Facebook and other tools, be sure to follow their printed terms and conditions.

Own Your Mistakes       

• Correct any mistake you make immediately, and make it clear what you’ve done to fix it.
• Apologize for the mistake if the situation warrants it.
• If it’s a MAJOR mistake (e.g., exposing private information or reporting confidential information), please let someone know immediately so the school can take the proper steps to help minimize the impact it may have.

Use Proper Netiquette

• Always use the Internet, network resources, and online sites in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Recognize that among the valuable content online is unverified, incorrect, or inappropriate content. Use trusted sources when conducting research via the Internet.
• Don’t post anything online that you wouldn’t want parents, teachers, or future colleges or employers to see. Once something is online, it’s out there—and can sometimes be shared and spread in ways you never intended.

• Be responsive to others when conversing online. Provide answers, thank people for their comments, and ask for further feedback, etc.
• Blog and wiki posts should be well written.  Follow writing conventions including proper grammar, capitalization, and punctuation.

Personal Safety

• If you see a message, comment, image, or anything else online that makes you concerned for your personal safety, bring it to the attention of an adult immediately.

• Never share personal information, including phone number, address, social security number, birthday, or financial information, over the Internet without adult permission.

Cyberbullying

• Cyberbullying will not be tolerated. Harassing, dissing, flaming, denigrating, impersonating, outing, tricking, excluding, and cyberstalking are all examples of cyberbullying. Don’t be mean. Don’t send emails or post comments with the intent of scaring, hurting, or intimidating someone else.
• Engaging in these behaviors, or any online activities intended to harm (physically or emotionally) another person, will result in severe disciplinary action and loss of privileges. In some cases, cyberbullying can be a crime. Remember that your activities are monitored and retained by others.

References

Anderson, S. (n.d.). How to create social media guidelines for your school. Retrieved from
https://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/edutopia-anderson-social-media-guidelines.pdf

Cornwall-Lebanon School District. (2016). Social media guidelines for students. Retrieved from
http://www.clsd.k12.pa.us/staff.cfm?subpage=624705

Dunn, J. (2014). An editable social media policy for schools that works. Retrieved from
http://dailygenius.com/editable-social-media-policy-for-schools/

Oakdale Joint Unified School District. (2012). Technology acceptable use policy. Retrieved from
http://ojusd-ca.schoolloop.com/file/1365835950987/1365835800006/1869264400494435063.pdf

Pottsville Area School District. (2011). Social media policy. Retrieved from
http://www.pottsville.k12.pa.us/cms/lib07/PA01916599/Centricity/Domain/38/Social%20Media%20Policy%20-%20Students.pdf

Social Media Guidelines for Schools Wiki. (n.d.) Retrieved from
http://socialmediaguidelines.pbworks.com/w/page/17050879/FrontPage