Social Media: The Do’s and Don’ts for Administrators Presented on August 5, 2014 By Laura L. Holmes of

Social Media There are many social media sites, but the most common ones currently that schools encounter are and Persons wishing to communicate with friends and family or meet new people can register with and create a “profile.”

Do’s … Have Social Media Guidelines for staff –Require that person other than creator have access – IT person –Require approval process –Establish appropriate v. inappropriate use and communication

Do’s… Be aware that all networking profiles are based upon the information the user chooses to provide, and that there are no “checks” conducted. How do we know that the information posted is accurate?

Do’s … Remember that FERPA is applicable –Teachers must be careful to comply with FERPA when using social media –If establish classroom web site, be aware of what material is available to others

Do’s … Communicate with parents/guardians in writing when using social media in classroom. Require parental permission Advise parents as to –How the social media site will be used, –How it will benefit students, and –How parents may access site.

Do’s … Be certain that hyperlinks are appropriate. Include a disclaimer: –“School does not guarantee the authenticity, accuracy, appropriateness, or security of the link, website, or content of links.”

Do’s … Remember that in most cases, anything posted to the Internet will exist “virtually forever” Educate your students about proper conduct on social networking sites…that colleges and employers will be looking at their virtual profiles in making selection decisions…

Don’ts … Forget that staff and students all have a method by which they can quickly disseminate information about school. –Video of recent fight is on YouTube before you have even started your investigation. –So utilize technology for your investigation if it is available.

Don’ts … Require access to social media from candidates for employment. May still view public information on social media as part of hiring process.

Don’ts … Forget to maintain professional boundaries The increase in use of online social networking among teachers and students means that the lines of professional boundaries may blur. Employees should take extra steps to ensure that their relationships with students are always professional.

Don’ts … Friend students on personal social media pages –Keep private life separate from public job. –Utilize privacy settings so that private information stays private. –Can’t control what others say on your page.

Don’ts … Post –profanity, –sexual statements, –statements referring to drugs or alcohol, –Defamatory statements, or –Discriminatory or racial statements. Speak for the school district unless you have been given permission to do so. Forget that public employees have First Amendment rights – difficult balancing act.