March 9, 2016
Dear DeKalb Schools Community,
In the 21st Century, students use technology more than ever before. They grow up with mobile
devices at their fingertips, and the Internet has become a social playground. Because social
media is instant, easy, and a common way of sharing information today, it is imperative that we
practice safe social networking.
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is providing guidelines for students and employees on
the use of social media inside and outside of the classroom.
While the DeKalb County Board of Education provides an official Internet Acceptable Use Policy,
found at the eBoard website on Dekalb.k12.ga.us, our guidelines offer a quick reference for
safe, online etiquette. See our guidelines online at
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/communications.
Engagement, collaboration, learning, and sharing in digital environments are here to stay.
Because technology changes rapidly, our community must work together to educate students
on how to engage on social media platforms responsibly. In addition to these guidelines,
DeKalb County School District will provide activities and resources that support social media,
another important method of communication to keep our community in the know.
Let’s Stay Connected responsibly.
Sincerely,
Dr. R. Stephen Green
Superintendent
DeKalb County School District
DeKalb County School District Student Social Media Guidelines, SY 2016
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA, 30083 Page 2
Social Media Guidelines
Introduction 2
Definition of Social Media 3
Establish a Digital Image That Represents the Best You 4
Post Responsibly and Consider Your Audience 5
Every Action has a Consequence Online 6
Take Cyberbullying Seriously 7
Adhere to the Guidelines 8
DeKalb County School District Student Social Media Guidelines, SY 2016
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA, 30083 Page 3
Introduction
The DeKalb County School District works hard to provide students with access to an
education that prepares them to succeed in a global society utilizing 21 st century
technology. Therefore, it is important to remember that social media and digital
communication are key components to our everyday lives that must be understood and
used responsibly.
This document, the Student Social Media Guidelines, including the DeKalb County
School District Social Media Policy, provides information about how to responsibly use
social media while in school and at home by:
Providing recommendations for appropriate social media
communication;
Sharing ideas about how to create a healthy digital image; and
Outlining procedures for how to protect yourself while using social
media.
This document should be reviewed in accordance with the DCSD’s Internet Acceptable
Use and Safety Policy. Click here to review:
https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/Policy
DeKalb County School District Student Social Media Guidelines, SY 2016
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA, 30083 Page 4
Social Media – Defined
Social media is the collective of online communications c hannels dedicated to
community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. Social
media at DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is important because social
media tools offer exceptional transparency, support effective communication
by helping to expand reach, foster engagement, and increase access to
credible information externally and internally.
Some examples of Social Media uses include:
Blogging about music, sports, or news events
Posting updates on your Facebook or Twitter page
Participating in a teacher-established Edmodo group; or
Using YouTube to work on a class project
Establish a Digital Image That Represents
the Best You
Let your online image reflect who you are.
Your digital footprint or reputation is left online when you post on blogs, upload videos
and pictures or even leaving comments on websites. No matter what your online actions
are, consider that what you share can leave a permanent record even if you click delete.
Therefore, be extra careful about what you share online and with who you share
content.
Did you know that many employers and colleges do a social media search when making
a hiring or admissions decision? In the digital world, what you post online can define
who you are. A simple post can get you closer to graduation or land you a great position
DeKalb County School District Student Social Media Guidelines, SY 2016
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA, 30083 Page 5
at a company of your choice. Here are some examples of how you can use social media
to your advantage:
Starting a blog about top news stories
Giving knowledgeable feedback on articles
Publishing an online resume and professional portfolio
Being Accountable
Through an internet IP address your identity can always be determined. This is why
being responsible for the content you post is important in all social media environments
whether at home or at school. Post only accurate information and be accountable for
what you say.
Families as Social Media Partners
Your parents are responsible for what you do online when you are a minor. Be open to
your parent’s suggestions about what information should remain private and what
information can be shared publicly even when your parents are not as social media
savvy. A great way to protect yourself online is to share your passwords and social
media accounts with your parents and/or with family members you trust.
Post Responsibly-Consider your Audience
Social media used academically can be considered an extension of your classroom
Sometimes social media will be used for a class assignment and the same classroom
rules will apply online as they do at school. For example, if you would not make fun of a
classmate at school, you shouldn’t do it online. Unless your teacher gives you permission,
do not expose content to audiences for whom it was not intended.
Be your best at all times
The digital world can give the impression of anonymity, but do not be deceived; it is the
same as face to face communication. Sometimes people believe that you are not
accountable for what is shared online, but you are always responsible for what you say
online or face to face. Be your best at all times and assume that someone is always
observing and monitoring your online actions.
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Think before you post
Often times it is too late to retract what has been read by others. Keep in mind that
posting while emotional is not advisable. Take a moment to calm down, step away from
the device you are using and think before you post. Remember online posts can never
be completely deleted whether you have regrets or not. Always ask yourself “is this a
post I want to live with.”
Every Action has a Consequence Online
Online Protection
Protect yourself online at all times. One of the ways you can protect yourself is by keeping your
passwords private. It is not a good idea to share passwords with friends no matter how close
you are. For example, if you share your password with a friend on a piece of paper, there’s no
guarantee that the piece of paper won’t get lost or be visible to someone else. You should also
make sure that the computers you’re using or websites you’re visiting do not automatically save
passwords. Additionally, only accept friend requests from people you know and if there is a
post you’re uncomfortable with, unfriend or report the post if necessary. You may interact
online with people who you have never met in person, but you should always use caution.
Identifying personal details such as where you live, a social security number, or where you’re
staying on vacation, can be too revealing and compromise your identity. Posting vacation pics,
for example, might make more sense to post after you’ve arrived back home.
DeKalb County School District Student Social Media Guidelines, SY 2016
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Social Media and Personal Use
There are different uses for social media. Sometimes social media is personal and sometimes
social media is used for school-related instruction. When social media becomes a disruption,
even when a post is made during personal time, the school may need to get involved and
disciplinary action can be taken such as a parent conference or suspension. In fact, there is no
right to privacy when using school-related social media. The school may review what you post
at any time. To avoid infractions like this from taking place, review the Student Code of Conduct
which prohibits poor behavior and inappropriate digital communications as well. See here for
the Student Code of Conduct http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/www/documents/student-
relations/code-of-student-conduct.
Adjust privacy settings as needed
There are different privacy setting defaults depending on the social media platform you use.
Some platforms might change those settings over time without making it obvious. So, it’s always
important to follow changes being made by social media providers. In addition, you can limit
access of who can see your posts. You might decide to have some of your posts private such as
posting about class grades or college choices, or public posts such as cancelled games due to
rain. Keep in mind that privacy settings are automatically set by social media providers
governing who can see your posts.
Take Cyberbullying Seriously
Drawing The Line
Cyberbullying happens when kids bully each other through electronic technology. There
can be a fine line when it comes to cyberbullying. What you consider to be harmless
teasing, can be hurtful to others. Cyberbullying includes:
Intimidating or threatening persons
Threats against the school or person's property
Using another person’s log-in or password to send inappropriate
messages and images
Creating fake profiles of other persons
Creating websites to embarrass, threaten, or socially isolate
another person
Circulating offensive photos or videos
Texting offensive messages
Creating rumors and posting false information about people
DeKalb County School District Student Social Media Guidelines, SY 2016
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA, 30083 Page 8
To get more information on cyberbullying and drawing the line between digital use and
digital abuse, go here http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/bullying-
awareness/index/additional-resources ,
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/www/documents/bullying/teasing.pdf , and
http://cyberbullying.us/ , http://cyberbullying.us/resources/teens/ .
Reporting Cyberbullying
If you believe that you or someone you know is being cyberbullied, report the behavior
by telling a parent/guardian, school staff member, or trusted adult. In the event you
suspect immediate danger, call 911. Do not respond or retaliate, and plan ahead so that
you do not violate any rules that can be subject to discipline. Here are some more
internet safety strategies for DCSD students http://cyberbullying.us/report/ ,
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/www/documents/bullying/internet-safety-strategies-for-
students.pdf and
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/www/documents/bullying/cyberbullying.
Have a Plan
In the event you experience cyberbullying, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place.
Never respond to offensive online behavior and save any messages that could be used
as evidence when you report the behavior. For more information on reporting
cyberbullying, go here http://cyberbullying.us/resources/teens/ .
DeKalb County School District Student Social Media Guidelines, SY 2016
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA, 30083 Page 9
Adhere to the Guidelines
Review the Policy
While these guidelines are to help students establish a social media presence online that
is healthy, it is important to review the Website and Online Social Media Publishing
Guidelines (Policy IFBGB) https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicyIFBGB
Please Note: this document are general recommendations only and do not cover every
potential social media situation. Also, see Staff Social Media Policy.
#STAYCONNECTEDRESPONSIBLY
/DeKalbCountySchoolDistrict
@dekalbschools
@1dekalbschools
@dekalbschools
Download the free District Mobile App
www.dekalb.k12.ga.us
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DeKalb County School District Student Social Media Guidelines, SY 2016
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Legal References