If your answer is no, here’s why we think it may be worth reconsidering.

Facebook has become integrated deeply into the fabric of everyday society and communication. Many schools have realised Facebook is a powerful way to reach their audience. Facebook presents as a quick and easy way to engage parents, broadcast news, and information, and build an audience around the school itself. As effective and powerful as Facebook is, and with all the positivity and school spirit it creates, we need to keep in mind that it is a public platform and therefore holds the risk of disgruntled community members popping up and having a say. It's for this reason, we feel some ‘house rules’ would be a good idea.

Imagine that Facebook is like a playground, where your school can regularly connect with people and build strong relationships. As you know not everyone plays fair on the playground and Facebook is no different. Each Page has its bullies posting undesirable or abusive comments and therefore publishing a Code of Conduct that will clearly state the purpose of your Facebook Page and identify inappropriate content that can (and probably should) be removed, is a good idea.

As an Admin, you can encourage a healthier community with your own guidelines. Not only is it good to have these standards, it’s becoming necessary with all the irrelevant conversations taking over the social network so that you can provide your school community with a space for constructive dialogue.

Your code of conduct can be added to your school’s website, and also in the ‘General Information’ section of your Facebook page.

If you would like to create a set of Facebook 'house rules' or a code of conduct for your school, download the attached copy of a simple code of conduct, which we have put togther for you.

If you need any help or advise on the topic, feel free to get in touch with the Digital Journey team at hello@digitaljourney.org.

Digital Journey works with individuals, businesses and organisations of all types across New Zealand. We provide FREE online digital action plans and resources, as well as training, coaching and consultancy services.