Inappropriate Use of Social Media

809 - Inappropriate Use of Social Media

Any act online or through electronic devices that threatens, harasses, or intimidates an individual or group of individuals; places an individual in reasonable fear of harm to the individual or damage to the individual’s property; that interferes with the atmosphere of order and discipline in the school necessary for effective learning.

  • Social media is any form of online publication or presence that allows interactive communication, including social networks, blogs, photo sharing platforms, Internet websites, Internet forums, and wikis.

    • Examples of social media include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, SnapChat, Instagram, YouTube, and Google+.

  • Schools should consider multiple factors, including:

    • whether the language/act would be considered inappropriate in most social settings

    • whether the student acted in the heat of the moment or was provoked

    • student’s age

  • Apply extended suspension and expulsion only to grades 6-12.

  • Level 5: If the school administrator decides to request an expulsion conference, the school administrator or designee must contact the Department of Student Services within two (2) days of the alleged offense to request an expulsion conference.

Level 1-3

Engaging in an inappropriate act online that disrupts the learning environment.

Level 2-4

Repeatedly or persistently engaging in inappropriate acts online that causes a disruption to the learning environment.

Schools should consider multiple factors, including:

  • The degree to which the event causes a hostile educational environment

  • Prior offenses, intentionality

  • Repeated nature

Level 3-5

Making, participating, or contributing to an act that has the potential implications for future harm. Including, but not limited to, weapons, gestures or symbols, specific threats, or inappropriate content.