Diocese of Oxford Social Media Guidelines<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A Summary<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
. The full document can be found on the Diocese website at https:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/support-services\/communications\/social-media-guidelines\/<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Social media offers exciting possibilities to share the Gospel and to interact with people we might not otherwise connect with. We can communicate with people faster and more cheaply than ever before. However, social media takes us into territory where we need to think carefully. It is interactive, conversational and open-ended and happens in a public space.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n GENERAL PRINCIPLES<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As Christians, the same principles that guide our offline conversations should apply to those that take place online. Interacting through social media does not change our understanding of confidentiality, responsibility and Christian witness. Remember: the reputation of the Church is always at risk.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n GUIDELINES<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 1. Legal considerations<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The law views anything you share online, using social media or email, as being in the public domain. So, if you wouldn\u2019t say something to the local newspaper or in a meeting, you shouldn\u2019t say it online.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 2. Honesty and transparency<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Truth matters. Don\u2019t repeat unsubstantiated claims without finding out if they are true. Make sure you\u2019ve got the facts right; if in doubt, check. When discussing topics relevant to the Church of England or the Diocese of Oxford, use your real name<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 3. Tone<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Think about the tone you use. Without visual cues, humour can easily be misinterpreted online. Make sure you are not attempting to pass off offensive comments through attempts at humour. Treat your colleagues with respect and do not sound off online. As a rule of thumb, ask yourself:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 4. Permanence<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Assume what you say is permanent. Even if you delete an online comment, it could already be in the public domain, seen by other people and\/or re-published on other, unconnected sites So always think carefully before you \u2018speak\u2019 and never make personal comments about someone that you wouldn\u2019t also say in public or to them in person.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 5. Security<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Do not assume anything electronic is secure. You might be able to delete or recall an email but there\u2019s no guarantee the recipient will. Equally, your privacy settings on your social media tools might mean only your accepted \u201cfriends\u201d or \u201cfollowers\u201d can see the things you say, but there is no guarantee<\/em> that they will not pass them on outside your trusted circles. Equally, be careful about any personal details you share online.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 6. Confidentiality<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n When telling a story about a situation that involves someone else, always ask yourself, \u201cIs this my story to tell?\u201d Would it cause distress, inconvenience, upset or embarrassment to others if they found out you had shared in this way? If in any doubt, do not share it online. Equally, be careful when copying others into an email which has gone backwards and forwards a couple of times \u2013 there may be confidential information earlier in the correspondence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 7. Public vs. private<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Remember that the distinction between public and private lives is increasingly blurred. If you are a member of the clergy, anything you do or say in the public domain will be interpreted by the public as being representative of the Church. Reputational damage caused may be widespread. Be aware that controversial or sensitive comments you make may attract attention of the media. If in doubt, take advice, but please remember that you are responsible for your online activities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n