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.
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
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:
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
Compliance
- 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.
-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.
Process for distribution of Social Media Policy
This policy will be distributed to volunteer Bigs and Parent/Guardians at the time of Enrollment.