Teachers could face fitness-to-practise complaints over “inappropriate” use of social media such as making Facebook friends with students or criticising their employer. The Teaching Council, a regulatory body for the profession, has produced draft guidelines over teachers’ use of social media which will be linked to their professional code of conduct. However, they have sparked criticism from some teachers online who say the rules amount to “overreach” and would prevent them from criticising the Department of Education. ”GuidelinesThe council said it was accepted good practice for organisations across all sector to have clearly stated social media guidelines in place. “As the draft guidelines state, social media is a very useful communications and information platform for teachers,” it said.

Source: The Irish Times April 06, 2019 00:56 UTC