Social Media Policy
Social media (including personal and professional websites, blogs, chat rooms and bulletin boards; social networks, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter; video-sharing sites such as YouTube; and email) are a common means of communication and self-expression.
It’s essential that members make informed decisions about how they use the internet, mobile phone and email communications to protect our BSAC club, Sudbury Scuba Club and our people.
Everyone involved in our club has the responsibility to safeguard members in and out of the water, but also including online communications.
It is the responsibility of all members to:
1. Refrain from publishing critical or derogatory comments about other clubs, training organisations, members or divers, or anything else as you are personally responsible for the content you publish and could be viewed as controversial or potentially inflammatory.
2. Avoid hostile or harassing communications in any posts or other online communications. Harassment is any offensive conduct based on a person’s race, sex, gender identity, national origin, colour, disability, age sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, religion or any other status protected by law.
3. Clubs should identify all copyrighted or borrowed material with citations and links. When publishing direct paraphrased quotes, thoughts, ideas, photos or videos, give credit to the original publisher or author.
4. The club will be responsible for monitoring responses to ‘official’ club online posts (such as those posted on the club’s Facebook page).
5. If a blogger or any other online participant posts an inaccurate or negative comment about your club or anyone associated with the club, do not reply but seek advice from your club manager.
6. Act ethically and responsibly. Don’t misrepresent yourself.