Common mistakes schools make with data privacy regulations on social media
Common mistakes schools make when trying to comply with data privacy regulations on social media often stem from a lack of understanding of applicable laws, and inadequate planning and oversight of policy enforcement. Based on available sources, here are some notable mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Ignoring local and federal laws
– False: Failure to acknowledge the applicability of local and federal laws regarding social media use in schools, such as FERPA, COPPA, and CIPA.
– Solution: Conduct comprehensive research to understand the laws affecting your school district and their requirements. Use the Education Compliance Checklist to identify relevant laws and ensure compliance .
2. Lack of clear policies and guidelines
– Error: Creating vague or non-existent social media policies that do not clearly define acceptable use, data processing, and consequences for violations.
– Solution: Develop a comprehensive social media policy that explains how social media can and cannot be used, including handling of student data and what will be monitored on social media. Ensure that teachers and staff are trained on these policies and understand their responsibilities .
3. Mismanagement of social media accounts
– Mistake: Mismanagement of social media accounts, leading to miscommunication, spreading inaccurate information, and creating confusion among parents, students, and the community.
– Solution: Implement proper management protocols for social media accounts, including regular reviews of posted content and responses to comments. Train employees on how to manage social media accounts effectively and responsibly .
4. Neglecting employee activity on social media
– Mistake: Overlooking the professional implications of an employee’s activity on social media, which could reflect poorly on the school and harm the student’s privacy.
– Solution: Establish clear guidelines for staff regarding their use of social media, especially regarding discussing school, posting photos of students, and interacting with students online. Regularly monitor and implement these guidelines to maintain a positive online school image .
5. Reducing the risks of social media
– Wrong: Assuming that the benefits of social media outweigh the risks without adequate risk management strategies.
– Solution: Understand the risks involved with social media, including privacy concerns and losing control of the conversation. Implement archiving solutions to manage risk and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations .
6. Failure to protect students’ privacy
– Wrong: Not taking adequate measures to protect students’ privacy on social media, despite the increasing importance of social media in students’ lives.
– Solution: Adopting informed and intentional use of social media in education, with a focus on protecting students’ privacy. Encouraging teachers to model responsible use of social media and educate students about digital citizenship .
By avoiding these common mistakes, schools can better navigate the complexities of social media in education, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations while maximizing the educational benefits of these platforms.
