Many organisations are reluctant to focus on social media as they don't have the time or resources. Plus they're not convinced on the benefits of using social media. In schools we often hear this.

Social media is so prevalent in our society today, it's not a fad or a service that will disappear.  It is a valid communications channel that parents and students use.

Although many schools have embraced social media, some have banned its use at the school and consequently have no social media channels to engage with their wider community,

Here is our thoughts on why social media has a role to play in schools.  It's a pros and cons list to help you make up your mind. 

Pros of using Social Media in School

• Engagement 
  Social media sites provide an avenue for students and parents to engage more in school activities.  An opportunity to hear about school projects, group assignments or an individual's work.  Sites like Facebook are hugely popular and by engaging through Facebook parents can see, read or hear more about school activities.
  
  This is positive but at times social media can be misused.  We have developed an 'Acceptable Use Policy' for social media to outline what is acceptable when using social media - happy to share this, get in touch.
  
  
• Time
  For many parents it is difficult to go into school regularly;  social media allows parents to stay in touch and engaged with the school at a time that suits them.

• Broadcasting
  If the school needs to inform the parents of school news then this is easily done through social media.  For example a cancellation of a school event or a reminder can be sent quickly and easily to Facebook and Twitter to increase the reach of message.

• Private Messages
  Many parents use social media regularly (I read somewhere recently that on average the number of times a Facebook user will check their feed is 16 times a day);  it may be easier for teaching staff to 'direct message' parents through social media than leaving a phone message and waiting for a call back. 

Cons of Having Social Media in School

• Distraction
  One of the biggest concerns we hear is that it will be distracting, students could easily be sidetracked from their work.  Plus, they might take advantage of being able to access social media in the classroom and use it for personal interactions instead of for school related activities. 

• Cyber Risks
  Of course one of the biggest risks is cyber bullying that potentially could occur through social media. If social media is allowed in schools this could increase the risk of cyber bullying.

So, should schools use Social Media?

There are many pros and cons of using social media in a school. One thing we do know is that social media isn't going away and it will increasingly become an important communications service for students and parents.

With advanced communications it will also be increasingly difficult to ban or limit social media.  The disadvantages listed may still occur even if they school isn't using social media, because most students will still have access to social media on their personal smartphones.

Its time to work through the issues and risks identified, develop rules, processes and expectations to minimise the risks and embrace the opportunity that social media brings.

How can we help:

We provide social media audits to check that the service is set up securely, privacy is being maintained and also review how posts are being shared (there are ways to control what you post online).
Training on social media use to make sure everyone at the school is using the service effectively.

Need help then get in touch?

If you have any questions or need advice, you can get in touch with the Digital Journey team at hello@digitaljourney.org.