There are numerous challenges which come across when you put together the Personal vs Professional presence on social media. It is crucial to make sure that as a professional you have separate Social Media accounts so that your personal life does not come into your Professional life. Also, it is important what we make our Personal accounts private and ensure that we do not post something that will question our Professionalism. We can never accept, ‘friends’ request and never share our personal contact details with children as it becomes unacceptable to communicate with children in a personal manner.

Undeniably, Social Media is a form of technology which is embedded in our lives. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages that we must take into account. We need to understand that children will have access social media and we must incorporate the use of it in our classrooms in a safe and fun manner. We must promote the use of Social Media in an educational and fun manner which will encourage children to share their views and reflect on their learning.

However, we need to distinguish between our Personal and Professional accounts and must always communicate in appropriate channels. Having access to social media stops there being a boundary between communication within class and developing discussions and sharing opinions out-with class in relation to classwork.

In relation to GTCS Professional responsibility towards pupils (2.1)-

you must treat sensitive, personal information about pupils with respect and confidentiality and not disclose it unless required to do so by your employer or by law;

It is important that as a Professional, you do not share any information or comment about any aspects of your students life on social media which is not in context to education. It is vital that you do not keep in contact with children through your own, personal accounts and separate blogs or channels such a Glow are ideal to make sure that your pupils can contact you in regards to any classwork. In addition, the Teacher has to comply with employers policy and guidance and always communicate in a way which will not put your professionalism in doubt.

As Professionals we must teach and show a good example of using the internet safely and how to prevent and tackle Cyber Bullying. There are many resources that we should that we should make children aware of such as the NSPCC and educate them about the dangers of the internet and advise them on how to tackle any such situations. Children should be engaging with the internet and using channels like Glow to share and develop discussions but at the same time be aware on the potential dangers on Social Media and ensure that they are safe.