Facebook, Myspace, Bebo and Twitter - An advisory note for school employees

Cases involving inappropriate use of various social networking sites are being referred to HR on a weekly basis.  A number of these cases have resulted in disciplinary action being taken.

School Senior Leadership may wish to provide this advice to staff either by announcement or in written form so that staff are clear that material posted on these sites that may have an impact on the school or on the employee's professional reputation may be considered as disciplinary matters by the school.

Advice

A number of cases have been reported to Education Bradford involving staff posting inappropriate written material and images on Social Networking Sites, including Facebook, Myspace, Bebo. And Twitter

Teachers and associate staff who participate in these sites, posting comments etc, need to be aware that any material that they post  should be consistent with their professional status and their employment at this school. Any material which may come to light that could be deemed as harmful to the reputation and interests of the school, its staff and pupils could be regarded as a disciplinary matter.

Please note:

Staff do not have permission to publish or make personal use of photographic images taken at school, or on school activities away from school, which show pupils.

Additionally, staff are advised that it is inappropriate to have on-line relationships with pupils (except where appropriate within family relationships) or to allow pupils access to their own pages.  Similarly accessing pupils' pages is discouraged as this may cross the professional boundary that should be maintained between staff and pupils.   

To clarify any points not covered by this advice please discuss the matter with the Head or a Deputy Headteacher.

Advice provided by Education Bradford HR - 22 April 2009