Social Media Guidelines for Staff

Digital communication between staff and students must always remain professional and consistent with expectations for in-person school communication. Staff members are expected to:

• Communicate respectfully and professionally at all times
• Use district-approved communication platforms whenever possible
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with students online
• Protect confidential student and staff information, and follow all FERPA guidelines
• Follow all Board policies and employee handbook expectations

The district does not authorize employees to use personal social media accounts to speak on behalf of Bloomfield Hills Schools.

Bloomfield Hills Schools respects employees’ personal use of social media outside of work hours. However, employees should recognize that online activity may impact professional responsibilities and school relationships. Employees are prohibited from:

• Sharing confidential or personally identifiable student information
• Posting false or misleading information related to the district
• Harassing, discriminatory, threatening, or inappropriate communication
• Statements that imply district endorsement of personal opinions
• Online conduct that disrupts the educational environment or undermines professional responsibilities
• Engaging in other conduct on social media which constitutes a violation of Board Policy, Administrative Regulations, applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, or Employee Handbook.

To maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students at all times:

• Staff should use district email addresses, district-approved platforms when communicating with students
• Staff are prohibited from using personal social media accounts or disappearing-message platforms to communicate with students