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The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday reminded teachers that they must maintain decorum online, reiterating its guidelines for social media use.
The agency reminded its personnel that there are existing guidelines on the use of social media, explaining that teachers are expected to treat students with professionalism.
“The use of personal social media accounts does not, by itself, dispense with the professional and ethical standards applicable to DepEd personnel, particularly where the content is connected with the performance of their official functions, identifies or represents them as DepEd personnel, or involves learners, school activities, or school premises,” the DepEd Undersecretary Fatima Panontongan wrote in a memorandum dated August 11.
“All DepEd personnel are expected to exercise professionalism, prudence, and sound judgment in their online activities,” the circular added.
The agency did not cite a specific incident that warranted this response, but said that it has received reports of social media posts involving teachers and school personnel that were inconsistent with DepEd’s standards of professionalism.
“These reports highlight the need to exercise appropriate judgment and responsibility in the use of social media, particularly where online activities involve learners, classroom activities, school premises, or otherwise arise from the performance of official functions,” DepEd said.
Teachers who interact with students are urged to practice extra care when posting work involving their learners, especially since educators have authority over them.
The agency reminded teachers not to “unduly post online attacks against fellow DepEd employees”, adding that they cannot disparage the reputation of the agency.
DepEd employees are also reminded not to speak false information online.
“While discussions of current events and public matters may serve legitimate educational purposes, personnel should refrain from repurposing such activities or learners’ participation for personal social media content in a manner that may compromise their professional responsibilities or expose learners to unwarranted public scrutiny, ridicule, harassment, or controversy,” the DepEd said. —LDF, GMA News
