The department’s policies on social media risks
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 2, 11 April 2025, page no 30.
Social media has become an integral part of modern communication, offering opportunities for engagement, networking and professional development. However, for teachers, social media use comes with significant risks, including professional misconduct, privacy breaches and reputational damage.
The Department of Education has established policies that guide teachers on responsible social media usage, ensuring they maintain professionalism and protect their personal and professional integrity.
Key risks of social media for teachers
Teachers are held to high professional standards and your online presence can have real-world consequences. The Department identifies several key risks associated with social media use.
- Maintaining professional boundaries: One of the most significant risks is the blurring of professional and personal boundaries. Teachers are advised to avoid accepting friend requests or engaging in private conversations with students on social media platforms. Direct interactions with students online can lead to ethical concerns and potential breaches of professional conduct provisions. Even engagement with former students can result in allegations of unprofessional conduct.
- Privacy and data security: Teachers must be vigilant about their privacy settings and the personal information they share online. The department recommends that teachers keep their social media accounts private, refrain from sharing sensitive school-related information, and avoid posting content that could compromise their security or that of their students.
- Reputation and professionalism: Social media posts, even those made in a personal capacity, can impact upon a teacher’s professional reputation. The department advises teachers to assume that anything they post online could become public, including comments, images and interactions with others. Engaging in inappropriate discussions, sharing controversial opinions, or posting offensive material in public sector employment can lead to disciplinary action or career damage.
- Cyberbullying and online harassment: Teachers may be targets for cyberbullying or harassment from students, parents, or the broader community. The department provides guidelines on how to respond to online threats, including reporting incidents to school administrators, blocking harmful accounts, and seeking legal or professional support, if necessary.
Department policies and guidelines
To help teachers navigate these risks, the department has policies and expectations in place regarding social media use. These policies emphasise the importance of the following.
- Adhering to the Code of Conduct: Teachers are expected to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, both in person and online. Any social media activity that contradicts with these standards can be subject to disciplinary action.
- Responsible use of social media: The department encourages teachers to use social media for professional development and collaboration while maintaining a clear separation from personal interactions with students and parents.
- Reporting and managing risks: Teachers are advised to report any concerning online interactions, including cyberbullying or harassment, to their school leadership or the department’s support services.
- Understanding legal and ethical obligations: Teachers should be aware of laws related to privacy, defamation, and child protection when using social media, ensuring they do not inadvertently violate regulations.
Best practice
To minimise risks while using from social media, teachers should:
- regularly review and update their privacy settings
- refrain from posting content that could be deemed unprofessional
- keep personal and professional online interactions separate
- seek advice if unsure about the appropriateness of online activities
- report and document any instances of online harassment or inappropriate interactions.
Awareness and adherence to these policies will protect educators and contribute to a safe and respectful online environment.