DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY
Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso, recognizes that online social networking (Snapchat, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogs, etc.) has become a very popular communications tool and that many of our Big Brothers/Sisters and Little Brothers/Sisters use these websites. In general, personal use of social networking sites is typically for communications between peers, including friends and family. Not all social networking sites are designed to support mentoring relationships.
To protect our children and their families, we expect Volunteers, Parent/Guardian, and Child to adhere to the following BBBS affiliate Digital Technology and Social Networking Policy, to ALL guidelines defined by social media sites, and to ALL state and federal laws. BBBS affiliate reserves the right to monitor the social networking activities of Volunteers, and to request that a Volunteer delete inappropriate information from a social media site. If a Volunteer is seen using social networking in an excessively inappropriate manner, his or her relationship with BBBS could be terminated
Child Safety and Appropriate Social Networking
Child safety is our #1 priority. Volunteers choosing to engage in social media are expected to maintain an appropriate presence on social media, even if they are not “connected” with their Little through social media sites. Volunteers serve as role models for a child and the community.
• Volunteer should ensure that posts, tweets, photos and comments are appropriate and kid-friendly.
Confidentiality and Privacy
BBBS affiliate requires its Volunteers to respect the confidentiality and privacy of the children and families of Big Brothers Big Sisters in every respect, including social networking. This applies even if the Volunteer is not “connected” with their Little through social media sites. Volunteers must follow these requirements regarding confidentiality on their own and others’ social media sites.
• Written parental permission is required to post, share or tweet photos or videos of their Little. If parent consent is not given the Volunteer is prohibited from posting, sharing and/or tweeting any photos and/or videos of their Little.
• Volunteers should never post, share, tweet or tag their Little’s full name, location, city, address, school or other personal information such as where his/her parent/guardian works.
• Volunteers should not use geo-positioning applications when they are with their Little.
“Connecting” with Littles Through Social Networking
Volunteers may not initiate or accept an invitation to “connect” or “follow” his/her Little or member of the Little’s family on any social media site without written parental permission.