Behaving professionally on social media as an educator

As you enter the world of work, you’ll find yourself focused on performing well and meeting standards expected by your employers and the government. Whilst many of these standards are based on workplace performance and conduct, expectations of how you behave also include your personal and digital life.

Professional standards

There are professional standards for teachers, which include expectations of personal and professional conduct, for: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Much goes without saying, and we know members understand the importance of acting lawfully, both in and outside the workplace. Behaving recklessly, gaining a criminal record, or tarnishing your own reputation or that of your employer or sector are all detrimental to the careers of education and early years professionals.

Be careful online

With the growth of social media, scrutiny of personal conduct has widened to what we do online. Most adults use at least one social media platform, and it’s increasingly common for employers to have their own workplace social media policies.

Even though social media are used in our own personal time, it’s important to maintain a respectful and professional presence online – failure to do so can result in disciplinary action from your employer.

A teacher was recently dismissed and banned from teaching for two years for ‘professional misconduct’ after he caused offence with ‘anonymous’ blogs that made derogatory comments about the school prom, pupils, parents and his head teacher, who said he was identifiable in an item on the teacher’s Twitter account (BBC News).

Useful social media tips

Ensure you maintain a professional presence online and reduce the risk of breaking your workplace’s social media policy:

1. Understand your workplace policies. It’s always important to have a copy of your workplace’s policies, which should include disciplinary procedures and examples of ‘misconduct’ and ‘gross misconduct’. Most workplaces now have a social media policy. If you’re unsure where to find this, speak with your line manager or HR. Remember, as your union, we’re available if you’re unsure about any workplace policies.
2. Consider whether to display your workplace. On Facebook, you can list your workplace in your information, and on other platforms a ‘bio’ gives you the opportunity to list such information. If you choose to include this information, people may interpret your views and what you post as representing your workplace. To avoid this, avoid listing where you work. However, if you decide having your workplace on social media is beneficial, ensure you make it clear that your activity represents you as an individual and not your employer.
3. Don’t discuss workplace issues on social media, especially confidential matters. Talking negatively about your workplace or colleagues can be seen as bringing your workplace into disrepute, and could lead to disciplinary action.
4. Remain respectful. Social media are used as a platform for many to express themselves and their opinions. Whilst you’re entitled to do so, you must always be respectful and refrain from derogatory or abusive comments, particularly on a group or individual’s beliefs or identity. This includes ‘liking’, ‘sharing’ or ‘commenting’ in agreement on others’ posts.
5. Contact us for advice and support if you’re unsure about social media and the workplace.

For more information on your rights with social media at work, see our social media at work guidance.

If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.