TEACHER ADVISOR

YOU OWN YOUR RETWEETS

By Joe Pece

Social media is meant to be, well, social. The platforms were designed not just for people to post content, but also to generate engagement and dialogue among users. That is why, in addition to commenting, people can “like” and “share” other people’s content, thus enabling that content to be seen by their own friends and followers. This amplifies the original content item and can increase its exposure exponentially. This is exactly what happens when an item goes “viral” – it is shared and re-shared thousands, even millions of times, reaching huge numbers of people who are completely unconnected with the original poster.

Especially on platforms like Twitter, we see many people note in their bios or descriptions that their retweets are “not their own” or “are not endorsements.” But are they really not? If you share something, it is because there is something of value that you see in that content item that you want others to see as well. But does your sharing imply agreement with what you have shared?

The reality is that it really does not matter – you are associated with whatever you post on your social media accounts. For teachers, this can have unintended consequences, as you are held to higher standards of conduct given the nature of your work. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that even offduty conduct is relevant to your suitability to teach. As a result, even though online activity takes place while you are off duty, it can still have serious repercussions for your professional reputation and employment.

Many teachers have been disciplined by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), or disciplined and/or dismissed by their employer, for inappropriate behaviour on the internet. This can range from comments about their employer, to videos of themselves posted on YouTube, to retweets or shares of another person’s content. The fact that it shows up on your accounts, under your name, means that you are associated with it and accountable for it.

Teachers have been disciplined by the OCT for sharing or retweeting posts from other websites or individuals. The original tweets or websites contained opinions of other individuals that were racist, homophobic, or discriminatory. Even though the ideas did not originate with the teacher, the fact that the teacher shared the posts and distributed them to others was sufficient evidence for the OCT to find professional misconduct. The moment you post personal information on the internet, you have lost control over who will see it and how it will be used. Pictures can be easily copied, altered, and displayed in a completely different context. The bottom line is that if you would not want the information and your picture published on the front page of a newspaper, do not post it on the internet.

Teachers need to exercise discretion in what you choose to post, what you choose to share or retweet, who you choose to friend or follow, and how you interact. The most important thing to keep in mind is that anything you do on social media is, or could become, public – including chats or direct messages you intend only for select recipients. Teachers are individual citizens who are entitled to personal lives, political views, and diverse interests, but what appears on your social media accounts must be appropriate to your position as a teacher and role model for young people.

Teachers are under constant scrutiny under any circumstances; online activity only increases the level and opportunity for scrutiny. It is imperative that you consider all of your online activity as an extension of your professional conduct, and handle yourself accordingly.

Social Media Tips: • Do not post, re-post, or share content that may be considered offensive to others • Ensure you have the proper consent and rights for any images or content that you post • Only share content that you would be comfortable posting yourself • If you would not say it in your classroom, do not say it on social media • Consider how your post reflects on you as a teacher • Consider what impact it might have on your students if they saw the post • What is the implication if the post cannot be removed, or can be accessed in the future?

For more guidance, review OECTA’s Social Media: A “how to”guide for OECTA members and Appropriate and Professional Use of Electronic Communication, which is available at catholicteachers.ca