Social Media and Communications

Authorized Use of Official Accounts

Only personnel authorized by the Superintendent or their designee may create, manage, or post content on official district social media accounts. Unauthorized individuals are strictly prohibited from representing the district on any public-facing platform.

Accuracy and Compliance

Any content shared on behalf of the district must be accurate, factual, and in full compliance with applicable laws, district policies, and ethical standards. Misinformation or misleading content is not permitted.

Prohibited Content

Employees must refrain from posting any content—whether on official or personal accounts—that:

1. • Is defamatory, obscene, libelous, or otherwise offensive;

   • Violates any local, state, or federal laws;

   • Infringes upon copyrights or intellectual property rights without prior written permission;

   • Breaches confidentiality of students, staff, or district matters;

   • Is harassing, discriminatory, racist, sexually explicit, or could contribute to a hostile work environment.

Use During Work Hours

Employees are discouraged from using personal social media accounts during scheduled work hours or on district-issued devices, unless such use has been expressly approved by a supervisor for work-related purposes.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Employees shall not post, share, or disclose confidential or sensitive information related to students, parents, staff, or district operations. This includes, but is not limited to, personal identification, student records, personnel matters, and internal communications.

Posting photographs, videos, or any visual representation of students, employees, vendors, or visitors without prior written consent is strictly prohibited.

Personal Liability

Employees may be held personally liable for any content they publish that causes harm to the reputation of the Paramus Board of Education or violates the legal rights of others. Personal social media activity that disrupts the educational environment or undermines the trust in the school community may be subject to review and disciplinary action.

Monitoring

The Paramus Board of Education reserves the right to monitor publicly available social media content to protect its legal and reputational interests. This includes monitoring for unauthorized use of the district’s name, branding, logos, likeness, or employee representation.

Violations

Any violation of these guidelines may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, in accordance with applicable district procedures, board policy, and collective bargaining agreements.

Reporting Violations

Employees who become aware of a potential violations are expected to report it immediately to the Human Resources Department. All reports will be reviewed in a timely and confidential manner consistent with district policy and applicable law