A. Purpose
& Scope of Policy
When used appropriately, BBBS believes that social media is
a tool that can be utilized in the communication and strengthening of the bond
between the Big, Little, Parent and agency. Social Media includes, but is not
limited to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Myspace, blogs, buzzfeeds,
snapchats and other sites.
As a condition of being a Volunteer Big, volunteer Bigs must
read, understand, and agree to abide by this Policy. Failure to adhere to this Policy may result
in the early termination of a match relationship.
B.
Affiliate Position on Use of Social Media
BBBS encourages volunteer Bigs to using age appropriate
Social Media with Littles, Little’s parent/guardian(s), family members in
accordance with the guidelines of this policy.
BBBS requires volunteer Bigs and parent/legal guardian(s) of
the Little to actively opt-in or opt-out of participation in social media with
regards to the match relationship. In order for the Big to post any picture or
name, the primary parent/guardian’s consent must be given. Otherwise, only
generic information may be used.
If either party does not consent, the other party may not
specifically identify or communicate with said party within the context of
social media.
If a Parent/Guardian or Big chooses to not opt-in and sign
the Photo/Social Media Release form, examples of prohibited activities include:
-Posting photos of person
-Tagging or Listing of name in a post or photo
-Checking in at particular locations, specifically identifying the Big
or Little
C. Overall
Monitoring of Safety, Confidentiality & Privacy
If a Big or Parent/Guardian chooses to use social media
within the context of the match relationship, the Big and Parent/Guardian shall
agree to the following:
a. Terms of
use of specific Social Media sites
Upon opting in, each Volunteer Big/Parent/Guardian will
certify that s/he has reviewed the terms of use/service and any applicable
privacy policy and /or provisions on minors of the Social Media sites that they
intend on using with the Littles.
b. Privacy
settings
Upon opting in, each volunteer Big, if using Social Media
with their Little, has customized their Social Media settings to ensure that no
personal information is viewed by the general public, in order to protect the
Little from searches by or contact from the general public.
c.
Monitoring for legal, respectful, appropriate content
Upon opting in, each volunteer Big will monitor their Social
Media sites to ensure that all posts and posted materials, whether by the
volunteer Big or a third party, are respectful, legal, and appropriate. If a party observes any social media
interactions that are disrespectful, illegal, or inappropriate material, the
other party is instructed to contact MSS immediately.
d. Enhanced
restrictions for access to site by Little
Upon opting in, each volunteer Big will use Social media
privacy controls and settings to restrict accessibility of the Little to age
appropriate content, including wall comments.
e. Process
for reporting misuse, endangerment
Upon opting in, each volunteer Big understands what to do in
the case of viewing any information on the Little’s Social Media site that may
endanger that Little’s health, safety, and welfare. Volunteer Big should contact MSS immediately
and understand that it is required by Indiana State law to report child abuse
to law enforcement personnel.
f. Confidentiality / Privacy of
Little/Little’s family
Upon opting in, volunteer Bigs should not disclose personal
information about the Little or their family. Information might include but are
not limited to: address, phone number, first and last names, private locations,
occupations, other members of the family or problems and concerns that would
required match support conversations. Volunteer Bigs are permitted to share
match activities, success stories and positive feedback about the program.
g. Access
to information and reposting from the affiliate’s site
Whether opting in or opting out, volunteer Bigs are not
allowed to repost content from any “Bigs Only” pages on BBBS’s Facebook page or
private section on the BBBS website, particularly if the content not available
to the general public. However, volunteer Bigs are permitted and encouraged to
share and repost information from the BBBS’s public Facebook page and website,
especially promoting fundraising and recruitment efforts of the agency.
h.
Promotion and attribution
When a participant posts something regarding the agency,
BBBS requests that participants consider the impact (positive or negative) of
such posts. Volunteer Bigs should represent that their opinion(s), belief(s)
and statements are personal, and do not represent the opinion(s), belief(s) or
statements of BBBS.
D.
Compliance
a.
Investigation non-compliance
BBBS will not actively monitor the volunteer Bigs Social
media sites; however, if there is a complaint or inquiry, or BBBS becomes aware
of a potential violation of this policy or any other, then BBBS has the right
to access the volunteer Big’s Social Media site for compliance purposes.
b.
Consequences of non-compliance
Based on the severity of non-compliance, consequences may
range from putting the match on hold to termination of match relationship. If
at any time BBBS observes anything that it suspects might put the child’s
safety at risk, the agency will exhaust all methods to protect the safety of
the child.
E. Process
for distribution of Social Media Policy
This policy will be distributed to volunteer Bigs and
Parent/Guardians at the time of Enrollment. A copy of the Photo/Social Media
will also be available at that time.