General Rules Your Students Should Follow Regarding Posting on Social Media
In today’s digital age, social media can be a powerful tool — but it also comes with responsibilities. It’s important for students to understand the impact of what they post online, not only for their personal safety but also for their future academic and professional opportunities. Here are some general rules all students should keep in mind when using social media:
- Think Before You Post
Ask yourself: Would I be okay with a teacher, parent, future employer, or college admissions officer seeing this? If not, don’t post it. - Protect Your Privacy
Avoid sharing personal information such as your address, phone number, school details, or your location. Turn on privacy settings to control who sees your content. - Be Respectful and Kind
Treat others the way you want to be treated. Don’t engage in bullying, harassment, or spreading rumors — even if it’s meant as a joke. Words online can have real-world consequences. - Represent Yourself Well
Your social media accounts reflect who you are. Build a positive digital footprint by posting content that shows your interests, achievements, and goals in a respectful and appropriate way. - Avoid Inappropriate Content
Do not post or share content involving violence, hate speech, nudity, illegal activity, or anything that violates school or community standards. - Don’t Overshare
Everything you post becomes part of your digital record. Think twice before sharing your opinions or personal experiences publicly. Once it’s out there, it’s hard to take it back. - Fact-Check Before You Share
Don’t contribute to the spread of misinformation. If you’re going to share news or sensitive information, make sure it comes from a reliable source. - Know the School’s Social Media Policy
Many schools have specific rules about student behavior online. Make sure you’re familiar with them to avoid unintended violations.
Colleges and future employers are now vetting their candidates by reviewing their social media accounts. Let them know to think before posting something that could be construed as controversial.
