Social Media
Social Media
Social media can be a fun and rewarding way to share life and opinions with family, friends and peers; however, use of social media also presents certain risks and carries with it certain responsibilities. To assist in making responsible decisions about the use of social media, these guidelines have been established for appropriate use.
Students are not permitted to use social media while at school. Students are not permitted to use school email addresses to register on social networks, blogs or other online tools utilized for personal use. Students should avoid “friending” or establishing personal connections with staff on social media sites unless a designated school profile is being used for this explicit purpose.
Students should always be kind to fellow students, teachers and administrators. They should also keep in mind that school-related complaints are more likely to be resolved by speaking directly with school personnel rather than posting complaints to a social media outlet. Nevertheless, if student complaints or criticism are posted, students should avoid using statements, photographs, video or audio that reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening, or intimidating, that disparage students and their families, or that might constitute harassment or bullying. Examples of
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such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile learning environment on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion or any other status protected by law.
Students should always be honest and accurate when posting information or news, and if a mistake is made, it should be corrected quickly. They should be open about any previous posts that have been altered. Students should never post any information or rumors that are known to be false about Edison, fellow students, teachers or administrators.
Students/guardians should express only their personal opinions. Students should never represent themselves as a spokesperson for Edison. If Edison is a subject of the content being created, students and guardians should be clear and open about the fact that they are a student/guardian and should make it clear that the views expressed are their own. Students/guardians should consider adding a disclaimer such as “The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Edison School of the Arts, Inc.”
Any threats or statements made during non-school hours are still applicable to disciplinary action if the threat or statement disrupts the learning process or compromises the emotional and physical safety of any Edison student or guardian and may be subject to suspension and/or reporting to the local agencies such as police and/or Department of Child Services.
Edison prohibits taking negative action against any student/guardian for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation. Any student/guardian who retaliates against another person for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion.
If students/guardians have questions or need further guidance, please contact Edison. Violation of any part of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.