Family Handbook 2019-20

sound judgment and due care extends to the use of social media. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that teachers’ off-duty conduct, even when not related to students, is relevant to their suitability to teach. Activities that are improper, unethical, illegal or that cause undue discomfort for students, employees, parents or other members of the Havergal community should be avoided in both physical space and online.

Scope This policy applies to all employees of Havergal. It applies to all forms of social media and electronic communication, including software applications, email and websites.

Guidelines Havergal offers the following guidelines for faculty and staff who use social media applications that may be frequented by current or former students of Havergal or their families. 1. Interact with Students Professionally ● As a digital citizen, model the behaviour you expect to see online from your students. ● Alert students to appropriate online behaviour and the proper use of social media, including comments and images. ● Maintain your professional persona by communicating with students electronically through established education platforms as much as possible (e.g., a web page dedicated to a school program, project or class). ● Maintain a formal, courteous and professional tone in all communications with students to ensure that professional boundaries with students are maintained. ● Do not exchange private texts, phone numbers, personal email addresses or photos of a personal nature with students. ● Decline parent-initiated “friend” requests and do not issue “friend” requests to a parent. ● Social network “friend” requests may be accepted only with alumnae over the age of 18.

2. Understand Privacy Concerns ●

Set and maintain strict privacy settings by choosing settings that limit what others can do. Avoid blanket invitations that use your email contacts automatically. Students should not be among those who are allowed to post on your social media accounts. ● Assume that information that you post can be easily accessed or altered by others without your consent.

Last Edited: August 20, 2019 Havergal College Family Handbook 2019–20

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