Legal: School social media guidelines revised
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 2, 28 March 2024, page 27.
The Department of Education revised its social media guidelines in October 2023 to stay current with the ever-evolving online landscape.
This document outlines specific guidelines concerning the establishment, administration, and expectations of social media platforms associated with schools, which fall under the Public Records Act 2002 as a departmental record. Here are some noteworthy points within the document.
- Social media content and information must be accessible to all parties, and closed groups, such as those on Facebook, are prohibited due to concerns related to transparency and risk management.
- Consent must be obtained from all individuals/parents/carers before publication.
- Social media platforms cannot be used to contact or reach students enrolled in any state educational facility (refer to Standard of Practice for more details).
- Promotion of businesses is prohibited.
- Promotion of parents and citizens (P&C) groups is allowed; however, the P&C should maintain its own page for information dissemination.
- The department does not claim copyright on its students’ work and requires permission to reproduce and publish them (e.g. original drawings).
- Schools must not use personal information or copyright materials on platforms or websites not listed on the state school consent form.
- If production companies or external organisations wish to film or photograph students (or use their copyright materials), they will need to provide their own consent forms.
- Uploaded images or videos should not contain identifying information or be tagged (linked to the student’s/individual’s profile).
Facebook specifically requires the linkage of a personal profile to a business profile for administration purposes. When linking a personal account, ensure that all departmental guidelines are followed. It is suggested by department policy that staff should access official pages through separate personal accounts to maintain privacy.
Consistent monitoring is required for social media accounts operated as part of the school, including monitoring after work hours, weekends, and holidays. Monitoring encompasses ensuring appropriate content is published and engagement is addressed.
- The department has outlined the following considerations for managing social media platforms:
- allocation of after-hours monitoring responsibilities among staff
- procedures for after-hours response and approval processes
- anticipated volume of inquiries/interactions the page may receive
- strategies for managing spikes in interactions/inquiries, especially after hours
- technical resources necessary to manage social media channels outside of work hours (a school-based decision, but mobile device provision is recommended).
Failure to manage the platform appropriately may trigger internal investigations and possible disciplinary actions. The department suggests providing a mobile device to monitor social media platforms. While schools have discretion in managing the platforms, specific guidelines or examples supporting platform management are not provided.
All information regarding social media posts must be thoroughly documented, including decisions, actions, recommendations, advice, and instructions. The department advises keeping records of all posts and responses, including hidden comments and posts. The method of documenting social media activities is at the discretion of the school’s principal.
Take care online and avoid any potential pitfalls.