Dive Brief:

• The St. Paul School District has developed a social media policy that clarifies expectations for all employees who have social media profiles.
• The Star Tribune reports the new policy would advise employees to be respectful and professional in all online postings, whether they are made on a professional or personal page.
• Employees who use obscene, profane or vulgar language when referring to the district or its schools, students, other employees, district communities, school programs and activities can expect consequences, including termination.

Dive Insight:

School districts across the country have struggled with social media policies since such accounts became ubiquitous. In St. Paul, a teacher and a special projects coordinator were put on leave because of controversial Facebook posts. There, the new social media policy, which is not expected to get final approval until August, could serve as a model for districts in other cities and states. Many districts have formed social media committees in recent years, but perhaps more often than not, they languish without any firm recommendations for teachers.

Just like the fine line between personal freedom and professional accountability for staff members, schools have struggled holding students accountable for their activity on social media, especially when threats are made off-campus from one student to another. Districts have considered it their responsibility to fend off cyberbullying, but the results have been decidedly mixed.