SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
The Board of Management at Kilmacanogue National School acknowledges the increasing use of social media sites for purposes that are connected to the school. The Board of Management recognises the numerous benefits and opportunities which a social media presence offers. Staff, parents/carers and pupils/students are actively encouraged to find creative ways to use social media. However, there are some risks associated with social media use, especially around the issues of safeguarding, bullying and personal reputation.
This policy aims to encourage the safe use of social media by the school, its staff, parents, carers and children. The school respects privacy and understands that staff and pupils/students may use social media forums in their private lives. However, personal communications likely to have a negative impact on professional standards and/or the school’s reputation and/or a teacher’s reputation are to be discouraged as they may expose the user and/or the school to legal action.
Scope of the Policy
The policy covers the use of all social media platforms used by students, teachers, staff, parents, guardians and carers which said platforms may be connected in any way to the running of and/or activities within the school.
All those connected to the school should bear in mind that the information they share through the use of social media platforms, even in a private setting, are subject to copyright, data protection, freedom of information and defamation laws and policy.
General Terms of Use
The terms of use apply to the use of all social media platforms by all those who have a connection to the school. This includes but is not limited to, public facing applications such as open discussion forums and internally facing uses such as project blogs regardless of whether they are hosted on the school network or not. Where applications allow for the posting of messages on line, users must be mindful of the laws that may be applicable to such postings.
Users must not use platforms related to the school in any way:
– to publish any content which may result in criminal action and/or civil actions for defamation, discrimination, breaches of copyright, data protection or other claims for damages.
– for promotion of financial interests, commercial ventures or for personal campaigns.
– to air grievances.
– to publish content that could amount to bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation.
– to discuss or give advice on any school related matters, teaching methods, school policies, staff, pupils or parents.
– No staff member of the school should ‘connect’ with or ‘friend’ a student and/or former student who is under the age of 18.
– Staff should not identify themselves as a representative of the school.
– to publish any content that may have a negative impact on the school’s and/or the staff’s reputation.
– to publish the school logo without the express written permission of the Board of Management.
– to circulate, publish, promote or advertise any information whatsoever to do with school matters such as fundraising events or activities without the permission of the Principal and, where applicable, without the ratification of the Board of Management of Kilmacanogue National School
Specific terms of use for staff on the use of social media
Specific Terms of use for Pupils on using social networking
Child protection guidance
If any member of staff receives a disclosure that an adult employed by the school is using a social networking site in an inappropriate manner as detailed above they should:
Cyber Bullying
By adopting this policy on the use of social media sites on school premises, Kilmacanogue National School protects itself from accusations of complicity in any cyber bullying through the provision of access.
Breach of Policy.
Breach of this policy may have disciplinary repercussions, including but not limited to the following:
Objective
The object of the policy is to ensure a safe environment for all the children and staff. To increase awareness among the children, staff and parents/carers about appropriate use of social media and respect each other and their rights privacy.
Reviewed by the Board of Management of Kilmacanogue National School
To be reviewed annually.
Signed by Judy O’Toole (Chairperson)
Signed by Niamh Murray (Principal)
Date: 07/02/2019
Under review for November website update – Ann Marie Bourke & Judy O’Toole November 1st 2022