IJNDD: Policy on Social Media

File: IJNDD

POLICY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the interests of staff and students by setting expectations regarding the use of social networking systems and electronic communications by educators as they relate to students and the public.

Wayland Public Schools (WPS) recognize the benefit associated with electronic communication by both its students and staff. Social media is a powerful and effective way to communicate and collaborate on the Internet. However, if used improperly, social media can be damaging and can provide a forum for cyber bullying, inappropriate behavior, and other potential dangers as well as increase the opportunity for impropriety through the ease of its use and access.

Definitions

• Social Media: includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Google+, Google Classroom or any other Google App, Twitter, TikTok, VSCO, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Kik, Flickr, Shots, Swarm, Linked-in, Pinterest, Skype, YouTube, WhatsApp, Medium, Soundcloud, EdModo, Internet published material and media, personal e-mail accounts, virtual online interactions, communication through online video games, chat, text message features of cell phones, use of blogs, wikis, and other electronic or technologically based communication systems.

• Electronic Communication: Any communication or interaction which occurs through electronic means. Electronic communications include communications that have no specific intended recipient (e.g., posting a blog entry or status update on a publicly visible website, depending on privacy settings, which may be viewed by the public or users of that website).

• Wayland Public Schools representatives (WPS Representatives): all employees of the Wayland Public Schools, vendors and contractors for the Wayland Public Schools, and volunteers in their role working on behalf of the Wayland Public Schools.

The Superintendent and the School Principals will annually remind staff members and orient new staff members concerning the importance of maintaining proper decorum in the on-line, digital world as well as in person. Employees must conduct themselves in ways that do not distract from or disrupt the educational process. The orientation and reminders will give special emphasis to:

1. Improper fraternization with students using social media or other electronic means.

a. WPS Representatives may not friend or follow current students on social media.

b. All electronic contacts with students should be through the district's computer and telephone system, except emergency situations.

c. Team, class, or student organization pages, accounts, or groups will be created only in conjunction with the coach or faculty advisor. All groups must include the appropriate administrator as a member. Access to the page will remain with the coach or faculty advisor.

d. In general, contact and messages by WPS Representatives with team members shall be sent to all team members. When necessary, messages can be sent to subgroups (such as team captains), but when a message is required to be sent to an individual student (e.g., messages concerning medical or academic privacy matters), and not sent from a Wayland Public Schools account, the message must be copied to the appropriate administrator and/or the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s).

e. WPS Representatives will not give out their private cell phone or home phone numbers without prior approval of the district.

f. Inappropriate contact via phone or electronic device is prohibited.

2. Inappropriateness of posting items with sexual content

3. Inappropriateness of posting items exhibiting or advocating use of drugs and alcohol

4. Examples of inappropriate behavior from other districts, as behavior to avoid

5. Monitoring and penalties for improper use of district computers and technology

6. The possibility of penalties, including dismissal from employment, for failure to exercise good judgment in on-line conduct.

The Superintendent or designees will periodically conduct internet searches to see if teachers have posted inappropriate materials on-line. When inappropriate use of computers and websites is discovered, the School Principals and Superintendent will promptly bring that inappropriate use to the attention of the staff member and may consider and apply disciplinary action up to and including termination.

SOURCE: MASC October 2016

Approved by the School Committee January 12, 2022