Each year university students face disciplinary action because of what they are posting on social media. In this age of digital connectivity, we at the EHSU are here to emphasise the significance of responsible social media use.

Having an employer-friendly online profile can absolutely help you by building a network and connecting with others, and we want you to be able keep the individuality and creativity that social media allows.

This leaflet will just serve as a guide to help you navigate your online presence while safeguarding your academic journey.

 

 

Your Social Media Footprint Matters

 

The choices you make on social media platforms are not only a reflection of your personal values but also your academic and professional integrity. As you begin your degree, it's crucial to recognise the impact of your online actions, particularly when it comes to offensive content.

 

The Consequences of Posting Inappropriately

 

Disciplinary actions primarily involve professional courses like Nursing, Teaching, Social Work, and more. However, students from all programs may face consequences if reported for inappropriate content.

Offensive comments, ranging from racial insensitivity to sexism and homophobia can jeopardise your academic progress. The gravity lies in the perceived harm caused, not what your intent was.

 

• Impact on Your Degree: If content on your public social media page could potentially damage the reputation of the University, your placement, or the profession you're associated with, it could lead to severe repercussions, including disciplinary measures or even a Fitness to Practice procedure (where you may be removed from your course or even your chosen profession).
• Harm to Others: Offensive content on social media can hurt individuals and communities, contributing to an unhealthy online environment.
• Academic Impact: Your digital presence reflects on our university and your fellow students. Inappropriate posts may be perceived as damaging to the reputation of the university and your chosen profession and could tarnish your credibility and affect your academic experience.
• Professional Ramifications: Future employers often evaluate candidates' online profiles. Offensive posts could jeopardise job prospects and professional relationships.
• Always There: Even if deleted, offensive content can resurface through screenshots or archives, potentially impacting your future endeavours.

 

Navigating Social Media Responsibly

 

Your online identity is seen as a reflection of your character and commitment to professionalism. Consider these steps to safeguard your digital presence:

 

• Disassociation: Ensure that your social media presence does not overtly link you to Edge Hill or your placement/ profession. Avoid displaying uniform photos or campus-related content.

• Offense Perception: Recognise that posts on your accounts may be seen as inappropriate or offensive, even if you don't intend them to be. Regularly review your content and remove anything that could be considered inappropriate.
• Privacy Control: Set your accounts to private to limit your audience to close friends and to prevent anyone posting direct onto your account.
• Comment Control: Review what others comment on your account- if they post offensive things it can affect you and your degree.
• Alias Use: Consider using a nickname or pseudonym if your account is linked to your professional studies.
• Delete with Care: When in doubt, delete content that could be deemed inappropriate. It's better to be safe than sorry.
• Positivity is Key: Refrain from writing or allowing derogatory content about the University or your placement on your accounts.

 

Social Media Self-Checklist

 

Sometimes you may just post things without thinking. However, the university will not accept that as an excuse. Before you post anything online, ask yourself some questions:

• BeReal: Are you posting pictures from confidential area? Are there confidential files anywhere? Are there any photos/logos in the background? Are there any people who should not be photographed in the post (e.g., patients or pupils)
• Instagram: Could your post be seen as offensive? Is the photo showing you in an unprofessional manner? Has anyone commented something offensive? Have you been tagged in anything that would make you look non-professional (even on private accounts)?
• Snapchat: Have you/anyone posted something of you that could be conflicting the universities Code of Conduct (even on private stories)? Have you posted anything that is confidential?
• Facebook: Have you posted or been tagged in anything potentially offensive? Has anyone commented anything that could be offensive? Has anyone posted directly onto your page?
• X (previously known as Twitter): Do you follow any offensive accounts? Have you posted/reposted anything offensive recently or in the past? Have you posted anything negative about the university or your placement?
• TikTok: Could any of your videos be considered unprofessional or offensive? Are they making fun of anyone (especially those in your care)? Would any comments you post be offensive? Do you follow any offensive accounts? Could you show the video to your lecturers or placement leaders?

 

Social Media No's

 

1. Hate Speech: Posting or sharing racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive content that targets specific groups or individuals, which goes against the university's code of conduct and values.
2. Cyberbullying: Engaging in cyberbullying, harassment, or threatening behaviour towards fellow students, faculty, or staff members.
3. Inappropriate Photos or Content: Sharing explicit, inappropriate, or offensive photos, videos, or comments that violate university behaviour policies.
4. Disclosing Confidential Information: Sharing sensitive or confidential information about the university, faculty, staff, or students without authorisation.
5. Violence Advocacy: Expressing support online for violent actions, which can pose a threat to campus safety- even if you think it is a ‘joke’.
6. Threats or Intimidation: Making threats, using intimidating language, or implying harm towards others, either within or outside the university community.
7. Demeaning Faculty or Staff: Posting disrespectful or demeaning comments about professors, staff members, or administration on social media.
8. Negative Impact on Placements: Posting content that reflects negatively on professional placements, internships, or work experiences, potentially damaging the reputation of both the university and the placement organisation.
9. Alcohol or Substance Misuse: Sharing images or content that depict excessive alcohol consumption or illicit drug use, which can violate university conduct policies.

 

It's important to note that universities take social media behaviour seriously and consider both the content posted and its potential impact on the university community, the individual, and the reputation of the institution. Always remember to use social media responsibly and in alignment with Edge Hill's guidelines.

 

Related policies, codes and legislation

 

In addition to the following key resources, have a look at the social networking tips and advice offered by the Get Safe Online website.

 

University policies and documents

 

• Social Media Compliance Policy
• Student Disciplinary Regulations
• Freedom of Speech Policy and Code of Practice
• Bullying, Harassment and Hate Crime Policy

 

Legislation

 

There is a variety of civil and criminal legislation that may apply to social media use, including:

• Equality Act 2010
• Communications Act 2003
• Defamation Act 2013
• Malicious Communications Act 1988
• Data Protection Act 1998
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Public Order Act 1986
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997

 

Remember Your Responsibility

 

While everyone has the right to a social media presence, as university students—especially those in professional courses—you have a responsibility to uphold a professional online presence. Your actions go beyond your screen, shaping your academic future and the values you stand for.

 

Who We Are

 

Our Advice Team offers free, independent, and confidential advice to help you understand your rights as a student. 

 

What does that mean?

 

We are independent from the University. This means we can support students with a number of issues, encompassing everything from academic issues to disciplinary procedures. If you need help looking over your landlord’s tenancy agreement, or you need to make an anonymous complaint about one of your course mates, the Advice Team is the place to go. 

 

Our expert and friendly advisors are non-judgemental and have your best interests at the heart of their service. All of our advice is entirely free from bias and is not influenced by the University.

 

We can help you with: 

 

· Academic issues

· Housing

· Complaints

· Disciplinary

 

PLEASE NOTE: The Advice Team cannot offer advice on legal issues, court summons, employment law, utility bills.

  

The Advice Team office is located on the first floor of The Hub, over the bridge.

   

We provide in-person, telephone, and video call appointments. 

 

Contact Us: suadvice@edgehill.ac.uk

Visit Our Website: EHSU | Edge Hill Students' Union