Beach District Social Media Position Statement Social Media has become engrained in today’s society. The wide variety of social networking tools presently available provides students easy access to share important news and events with each other. Social media technologies such as Twitter, Facebook, Internet forums, weblogs, social blogs, micro blogging, Wikis, podcasts, photographs, video rating, social bookmarking, and others have many benefits in our world; however, they can also be disruptive when inappropriate social media postings occur. Using these communication tools in an inappropriate manner can have negative consequences, especially if unkind words or threats are used with intent to hurt others. The Beach District Principals’ Association recognizes and supports its student-athletes’ and coaches’ rights to freedom of speech, expression, and association, including the use of social networks. In this context, each student-athlete and coach must remember that participating and competing for the Beach District is a privilege, not a right. The student-athlete and coach represent his or her high school and the Beach District, and therefore, they are expected to portray themselves, their team, and their high school in a positive manner at all times. Any online postings must be consistent with federal and state laws, as well as team, school, school division and Beach District rules and regulations (including those listed below). Specifically prohibited behaviors include but are not limited to: - Sexually explicit, profane, lewd, indecent, illegal, or defamatory language/actions. - Derogatory language regarding school personnel or other students. - Comments designed to harass or bully students and/or school personnel. - Nude, sexually-oriented, or indecent photos, images or altered pictures.
Social Media Guidelines for Student-Athletes:
1. Be careful with how much and what kind of identifying information you post on social networking sites. It is unwise to make available information such as full date of birth, social security number, address, phone number, cell phone numbers, class schedules, bank account information, or details about your daily routine. All of these can facilitate identity theft or stalking. Remember - once posted the information becomes the property of the website. 2. Be aware that potential current and future employers and college admissions offices often access information you place on online social networking sites. Realize that any information you post will provide an image of you to prospective employers and/or schools. The posting is considered public information. Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image that you can be proud of years from now. 3. Be careful in responding to unsolicited emails asking for passwords or PIN numbers. Reputable businesses do not ask for this information online. 4. Do not have a false sense of security about your rights to freedom of speech. Understand that freedom of speech is not unlimited. Social networking sites are NOT a place where you can say and do whatever you want without repercussions. 5. Remember that photos once put on the social network site’s server become the property of the site. You may delete the photo from your profile, but it still stays in their server. Internet search engines like Google or Yahoo may still find that image long after you have deleted it from your profile. Think long and hard about what type of photo you want to represent you. One of the biggest lessons social networking users can learn is that anything you post online enters the public record. High school students should carefully consider their profiles and ask themselves how they would look to a future college admissions officer or potential employer.