Universities' Control Over Students' Social Media Use

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, with people of all ages sharing their lives, opinions, and beliefs on various platforms. Universities have also embraced social media as a tool for marketing, student engagement, and community-building. However, the question of whether universities can regulate student social media use is a complex one. On the one hand, universities have a duty of care to their students and must ensure that their online spaces are free from abuse and harassment. On the other hand, overregulation may stifle free speech and diversity of viewpoints, which are essential to the university's mission of seeking knowledge and truth. While universities may need to moderate comments and discussions to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment, it is a delicate balance that must be navigated carefully to avoid censorship and protect students' First Amendment rights.

Student welfare and the duty of care

Student welfare and duty of care are important considerations for universities when regulating student social media use. While social media can be a useful tool for students to connect and engage with their peers, universities have a responsibility to ensure that these spaces are safe and free from abuse and harassment. This involves establishing clear policies and guidelines for student social media use, as well as providing support and protection for students who may be vulnerable to online abuse or harassment.

Universities have a duty of care to their students, which extends to their online activities. This means that universities should take steps to protect students from harm, even when they are using social media in their personal capacity. This can include providing resources and support for students who may be experiencing online abuse or harassment, as well as taking action against students who engage in abusive or harassing behaviour. In addition, universities should be transparent about any monitoring or moderation practices they have in place, and ensure that these practices are consistent with their duty of care to all students.

The use of social media by students can have both positive and negative impacts on their welfare. On the one hand, social media can help students to connect with their peers, build peer support networks, and reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety. It can also provide a space for students to express themselves and share their experiences. On the other hand, social media can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and negative comparisons for students. Additionally, the constant connectivity of social media can make it difficult for students to disconnect and relax, potentially impacting their mental health and well-being.

To promote student welfare and uphold their duty of care, universities should develop comprehensive social media policies and guidelines that address the potential risks and benefits of student social media use. This includes establishing clear rules and expectations for student conduct online, as well as providing resources and support for students who may be struggling with their mental health or experiencing online abuse or harassment. Universities should also consider the potential impact of their own social media activities on student welfare, and ensure that their practices are consistent with their duty of care.

Overall, while social media can be a valuable tool for students, universities have a responsibility to ensure that it is used in a way that promotes student welfare and upholds their duty of care. This involves establishing clear policies, providing support and protection for students, and being mindful of the potential impacts of social media on student well-being. By taking these steps, universities can help to create a safe and supportive online environment for their students.

Free speech and censorship

Free speech is a fundamental principle of the First Amendment, and this right extends to online spaces, including social media. The Supreme Court affirmed this in its response to Packingham v. North Carolina, stating that "all persons have access to places where they can speak and listen, and then, after reflection, speak and listen once more".

However, universities often face the dilemma of regulating student social media use to maintain a safe and inclusive environment while also respecting students' right to free speech. This is a complex issue, and universities must strike a careful balance.

Universities have a duty of care to their students and staff, and this extends to social media spaces that they encourage or facilitate. For example, universities that create Facebook groups for incoming students to connect must also ensure these spaces are free from abuse and harassment. Clear policies and sanctions for abusive behaviour should be established and communicated to students.

In the case of Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. By and Through Levy (2021), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a student's First Amendment rights were violated when she was suspended from her cheerleading squad for a social media post made off-campus. The Court acknowledged that schools have a significant interest in regulating some off-campus circumstances, such as severe bullying, threats, or breaches of school security. However, they emphasised that the school's regulatory interests are diminished in off-campus settings, and the school did not stand in loco parentis in this case.

Universities must also consider the impact of their social media policies on institutional culture and tone. For instance, a policy titled "Acceptable Use of Social Media" may raise eyebrows and suggest a restrictive approach to free speech. In contrast, the Open University's guidelines state that there are "no formal standards for social media activity," reflecting a more relaxed attitude.

To navigate these complexities, universities can implement transparent and viewpoint-neutral rules, such as publicising blacklisted words and consistently enforcing policies. Additionally, rather than deleting or blocking comments, universities can choose to ignore or engage with controversial statements, as deleting comments may be considered bad social media policy and can have a chilling effect on free speech.

In conclusion, universities must navigate a fine line between protecting their students and staff from harm and respecting their right to free speech. This involves creating and communicating clear policies, considering the impact of these policies on institutional culture, and thoughtfully engaging with controversial statements rather than simply censoring them.

University marketing and brand awareness

Social media is an essential tool for universities to build their brand and develop an audience passionate about their educational offerings. Prospective students often turn to social media to help guide their college decisions, so a robust social strategy is key to attracting more students and increasing brand awareness.

To establish brand awareness, universities must first define their values. This involves identifying passions, unique value propositions, target audiences, and challenges or misconceptions. This process helps universities craft a compelling, relevant mission that resonates with prospective students and sets them apart from other institutions.

When creating social media content, universities should focus on sharing their accomplishments, such as breakthrough research projects, successful student athletes, or students making a positive impact in their community. Visual platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are ideal for showcasing engaging graphics and videos that highlight campus life and student experiences.

To further enhance their online presence, universities can leverage hashtags, social media takeovers, student stories, and live events. Hashtags specific to the university encourage students to share their experiences, while social media takeovers and student stories provide authentic first-person narratives that prospective students can relate to. Additionally, going live on social media allows universities to reach a wider audience, including those who may not be able to attend in-person events or campus tours.

By consistently creating and sharing engaging content, universities can increase their brand awareness, build community, and foster relationships with prospective, current, and former students.

Student privacy and digital footprints

Students' digital footprints are the trail of data they leave behind while using the internet. This includes the websites they visit, their online purchases, and their social media presence. Digital footprints can be active or passive. Active footprints are the result of deliberate actions, such as posting on social media, while passive footprints are created without the user's intent, like through cookies or geolocation services.

Students should be aware of their digital footprints, especially as their online identities can impact their real lives. Universities, employers, and other entities track digital footprints for various purposes, including targeted advertising, consumer profiling, and identity theft. To protect their privacy and security, students should take steps to manage their digital footprints. Here are some ways they can do this:

• Use privacy settings: On social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, students can control who sees their posts, who can add them as a friend, and their follower settings.
• Keep things professional: Students should be mindful that what they post online can be permanent and easily accessible. They should express opinions and be themselves, but also ensure that their posts are factual and not something they would mind a future employer or admissions officer reading.
• Avoid oversharing: Students should refrain from posting sensitive information such as phone numbers, credit card details, driver's licenses, and other personal details that can be exploited by identity thieves.
• Delete unflattering content: Students should review their social media posts and delete any content they find questionable or inappropriate. They can also use Google's URL Removal Tool if content has been deleted but still appears in search results.
• Manage browser cookies: Students should regularly check their browsers for cookies from sites they haven't visited and delete them. They can also set their preferences to block third-party cookies.
• Protect passwords: Students should never share their passwords and should use strong, unique passwords for their accounts. They can use password managers if they struggle to remember multiple passwords.
• Create a secondary email: A second email address can be used for signing up for services and newsletters, reducing the amount of spam in a primary inbox.
• Be mindful of achievements: Students can present themselves in a positive light by sharing personal and professional achievements, but they should ensure they are not bragging and should give credit where it's due.
• Think before posting: Students should assess whether what they're sharing is true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind.
• Keep software updated: Outdated software may provide hackers with a way to access private information. Regular updates provide security patches to fix bugs and remove vulnerabilities.
• Use digital tools: Tools like anti-tracking software, private search engines, and anonymous browsers can help protect privacy. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are also useful for keeping browsing history and location private.

In extreme cases of significant data breaches, students may need to take more drastic measures, such as opting out of data broker sites, deleting social media accounts, unsubscribing from mailing lists, and deleting forum comments and blog posts.

University staff and social media

University staff are increasingly encouraged to engage with social media, whether for personal or professional reasons. However, it is important for staff to understand the potential risks and responsibilities associated with their online presence.

University-Sponsored Social Media Accounts

University staff who manage official university-sponsored social media accounts should be aware of the guidelines and policies that govern their use. These accounts are typically owned and managed by the university and are used to communicate university-approved messages. It is important to adhere to the university's Code of Conduct, Information Security, and Privacy Policies when using these accounts. This includes protecting confidential and proprietary information, such as student records, employee information, and financial data. Additionally, staff should be cautious when expressing opinions on social media, especially when affiliated with the university. Political opinions, for example, should only be expressed on personal accounts and not on behalf of the university.

Personal Use of Social Media

University staff are generally permitted to express their personal views via their personal social media accounts. However, it is important to maintain a clear distinction between personal views and the views of the university. Staff who identify their affiliation with the university on their personal accounts should include a disclaimer stating that their views are their own and do not represent the university. This protects both the individual and the institution. Staff should also refrain from using university trademarks, logos, or copyrighted material on their personal accounts without prior approval.

Benefits of Social Media for University Staff

Social media can be a powerful tool for university staff in various ways. It can be used to connect with colleagues, students, and alumni, fostering a sense of community. Additionally, it can be a platform for sharing research, accomplishments, and university news, as well as a means to attract new students and staff. Social media can also provide opportunities for creative thinking and presentation, with students engaging in course-based discussions and sharing content.

Challenges and Risks

While social media offers benefits, it also presents challenges and risks for university staff. One of the main concerns is maintaining a healthy work-life balance when using social media. Staff may feel pressured to be constantly active on social media, blurring the lines between their professional and personal lives. Additionally, there is a risk of negative backlash or harassment when expressing opinions online, especially on sensitive topics. It is crucial for universities to protect their staff and provide support in navigating these challenges.

In conclusion, while social media can be a valuable tool for university staff, it is important to approach it with caution and a thorough understanding of the associated risks and responsibilities. Universities should provide clear guidelines and support to ensure the well-being and safety of their staff in the digital realm.

Frequently asked questions