The Social Network: Schools and Staff Beware!

The National Association of Head Teachers recently announced that schools should introduce rules about how teachers use social networking sites.  The announcement highlighted the fact that newly qualified staff may not fully appreciate the risks arising from the use of sites such as facebook, given the adjustment from student to professional life.  However, staff who are less familiar with social networking may be similarly vulnerable, and Heads need to be aware of the wider risks, and put protective measures in place.

What are the dangers?

• All staff should be particularly aware of the risk of allegations of inappropriate contact with pupils arising from the use of electronic media (e.g. social networking, mobile phones, email).  The disciplinary consequences can be severe, and may result in dismissal and a referral to the Independent Safeguarding Authority to consider whether they should be placed on the barred lists.
• For schools the risks are also severe - allegations of inappropriate conduct can cause significant reptuational damage, and cost heavily, both financially, and in management time.
• The potential for cyber-bullying and harassment, for example in the staff context this can be by pupils, staff colleagues, or parents.
• The inadvertent release of personal information (pictures from a night out, conversations between friends), which can damage professional standing in the classroom, and potentially lead to disciplinary or legal action.

What steps should schools take?

• Set clear policies, and provide clear guidance on the appropriate/inappropriate use of ICT and electronic media.  The message should be coherently reflected across policies and procedures for Acceptable Use of ICT, the monitoring of ICT usage, Safeguarding, School Visits, and in staff disciplinary and capability policies.
• Consider providing supporting practical training, for example in relation to privacy settings or profile management, or more generally in relation to the use and tone of electronic communications.
• Ensure appropriate policies and guidance is also provided for pupils, for example in relation to appropriate contact with staff, to support and complement the staff policies, and ensure pupils are aware of the school's expectations.  This should be reflected in pupil versions of Acceptable Use policies, Behaviour, and Anti-Bullying policies.

To address the risks identified, it is essential that the school's policy on the appropriate use of ICT is clear. There may be some resistance from staff, for example, where it appears that the school's policy impinges on their private life.  However, the virtual world has blurred the line between personal and professional life, and it is extremely important that staff understand what the boundaries are, so that they can protect themselves.  Issues can arise, for example, where staff are friends with parents and pupils outside the school context, or where pupils request to be a member of staff's 'friend' online.  Clear policies and procedures will minimise the risk of issues arising, and enable Heads to take quick appropriate action where incidents occur.  This should also ensure that schools are well placed to robustly respond to any subsequent complaint, grievance or claim.

At Ashfords, our Head of Education, Helen Tucker, is experienced in helping schools manage difficult situations arising from the misuse of electronic media, and in advising on related policies and procedures in this area.  In addition, our employment specialists can provide practical advice where a situation leads to staff capability or disciplinary issues.  Please contact Helen if you would like to discuss any of the issues set out in this briefing.