Roose Community Primary School POLICY ON PARENTAL USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING AND INTERNET SITES Overview Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are now widely used and these types of media allow people to communicate in ways that were not previously possible. Unfortunately such sites can be used inappropriately by some as a means of expressing negative or offensive views about schools and their staff. This document sets out our approach to parental use of such sites, the procedures that will be followed and actions that may be taken when it is considered that parents have used such facilities inappropriately. Where there is reference to “parent” in this document this also includes carers, relatives or anyone associated with the school.
Objectives The purpose of this policy is to: · encourage social networking sites to be used in a beneficial and positive way by parents · safeguard pupils, staff and anyone associated with the school from the negative effects of social networking sites · safeguard the reputation of the school from unwarranted abuse on social networking sites · clarify what the school considers to be appropriate and inappropriate use of social networking sites by parents · set out the procedures the school will follow where it is considered that parents have inappropriately or unlawfully used social networking sites to the detriment of the school, staff, pupils or anyone else associated with the school · set out the action the school will consider taking if parents make inappropriate use of social networking sites.
Appropriate use of social networking sites by parents Social networking sites have potential to enhance the learning and achievement of pupils and enable parents to access information about the school and provide feedback efficiently and easily. In addition, the school recognises that many parents and other family members will have personal social networking accounts which they might use to discuss/share views about school issues with friends and acquaintances. As a guide, individuals should consider the following prior to posting any information on social networking sites about the school, staff, pupils or anyone else associated with the school: · is the social networking site the appropriate channel to raise concerns, give this feedback or express these views? · would a private and confidential discussion with someone in the school be more appropriate? If there are serious allegations being made/concerns being raised, social media or internet sites should not be used to name individuals and make abusive comments. Please contact the school to discuss any concerns you may have · are such comments likely to cause emotional or reputational harm which would not be justified, particularly if the school has not yet had a chance to investigate a complaint? · the reputational impact that the posting of such material may have to the school, any detrimental harm that the school may suffer as a result of the posting and the impact that such a posting may have on pupils’ learning.
Inappropriate use of social networking sites by parents