Social Media for Paraeducators Karen Haase Harding & Shultz (402) 434-3000 khaase@hslegalfirm.com H & S School Law @KarenHaase
Social Networking Examples • MySpace • Facebook • Twitter • Tumblr • YouTube
How Paras Get in Trouble Drug/Alcohol Use Sexual Inappropriateness Inappropriate Communication with Students Inappropriate Communication with Parents Inappropriate Communication about Students/Parents
Social Media is Here to Stay Ed. Professionals are using social media • 85% of Americans use social media monthly • Twitter grew over 500% in the last year • More video is uploaded to YouTube in 60 days than big 3 networks created in 60 years
Facebook dominates social media • • • •
500 million users as of July, 2010 50% of active users log on daily Average user has 130 friends Largest group of users aged 35-54
My Suggestions Make a professional page separate from your personal page Don’t “friend” students or parents on your personal page Don’t let yourself be depicted behaving unprofessionally Ask: will this affect me at work?
Privacy Settings
Set your profile as “private” Only let “friends” see pics Turn off geo-tags Friend Facebook on Facebook
Using School Computers
Digital Data Legally is:
An Education Record A Business Record A Public Record A Potential Exhibit in a Lawsuit
Digital Traps Do NOT e-mail, text, tweet questions about IEP implementation Do NOT vent or communicate educational concerns in digitally DO NOT forget to proofread Do NOT engage in extended electronic conversations with parents Do NOT disclose info re other students DO assume you’re being recorded
Social Media & Politics Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act In the Matter of Michael Nolan, Case No. 07-03: •
Norfolk City Manager used city’s e-mail to send message opposing referendum • Used his own computer; outside work time • Used city’s e-mail system, using the city’s email server and the city’s internet service provider
Social Media for Paraeducators Karen Haase Harding & Shultz (402) 434-3000 khaase@hslegalfirm.com H & S School Law @KarenHaase