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Social media guidance

Introduction

Social media is a part of everyday life as it includes not only commercial sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, but also extends to writing and contributing to blogs, message forums and e-mail communication.

The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science (SVMS) recognises that social media can be used as a force of good. It enhances our educational experience by providing more opportunities for interactive discussions; engagement with other veterinary students and professionals in the field; communicating with friends and family, irrespective of location.

However, use of social media can pose a risk to both students and SVMS. The misuse of social media has been a component of disciplinary hearings within the university and in the veterinary profession.

Implications of inappropriate use of social media

As aspiring veterinary professionals, veterinary students have responsibilities and expected standards of behaviour which are more stringent than those that apply to students who are not seeking registration with a professional body such as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Veterinary surgeons have a responsibility to behave professionally and responsibly when offline, online as themselves and online in a virtual world (perhaps as an avatar or under an alias). This responsibility also applies to private forums as there is no guarantee that comments posted will remain private. The same standards apply to veterinary students.

The standards expected of veterinary students in the real world are no different to the standards they should apply online.

If a student inappropriately uses social media, it immediately raises concerns about their suitability to become a veterinary surgeon. Students may put their registration at risk if they demonstrate inappropriate behaviour when using social media.

Social media principles for veterinary students

The following guidance has been produced to support you in making the best use of social media platformsas a young professional, to providethe guidance and expectations of SVMS without compromising your personal security and future career opportunities.

General expectations:

• You must adhere to the university’s ‘Student Social Media Policy’ 
• You must ensure all social media activity complies with General Data Protection Regulation laws 
• You should follow the guidance set out by the RCVS ‘Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons’ when using social media 
• When interacting via social media, even if you believe yourself to be anonymous (e.g when using an alias), you must behave appropriately, upholding the same standards as if you were identifiable. You remain accountablefor these posts and their consequences.
• The university and SVMS operates a zero tolerance policy on cyber bullying and harassment via social media. Any student who is experiencing cyber bullying by another student or a member of university staff will have the full support of the university.
• If a student feels they are being bullied, harassed or victimised, the university’s ‘Dignity at Nottingham: Staff & Student Policy’ outlines the procedure to be followed. You can read the policy here. 

School expectations:

• You should avoid making, posting or facilitating statements, images or videos that:
  • cause undue distress or provoke anti-social or violent behaviour
  • are offensive, false,inaccurate or unjustified
  • abuse, bully, victimise, harass, threaten or intimidate colleagues, staff, clients or others
  • bring the veterinary profession, university or SVMS into disrepute
  • may be interpreted as a university or school position.
• You must seek explicit permission of the teaching lead or an appropriate member of staff prior to capturing practical resource images and/or video content with the intention of sharing on social media by any means i.e. using a private or public account. The teaching lead or appropriate member of staff will comment as to the whether such a post would be considered appropriate. Students should pay attention to the guidance received from staff.
• You must obtain written or verbal permission from any person(s) who may be identifiable in your images and/or video prior to posting to social media. When posting to social media, it is best practice to declare this alongside your post eg. “shared to social media with express permission”. This is applicable to both private and public accounts.
• Patient confidentiality is paramount and no images, videos or text should be posted which may directly or indirectly identify a client or patient.
• Images and/or videos of teaching animals are NOT appropriate for sharing on social media.
• Images and/or videos of a sensitive nature are NOT appropriate for sharing on social media. This includes, but is not limited to, cadaver material, abattoir imagery, matters of euthanasia, foetal and embryonic material,content showing animal cruelty and/or suffering.
• Dry specimens (e.g.skeletal specimens) maybe appropriate to share on social media in some circumstances.
• Images and/or videos captured at Clinical Associates, EMS and/or CEMS Placement Providers are NOT appropriate for sharing on social media.
• If you are in any doubt, please consult your personal tutor, a Veterinary Professional Skills module convenor or the Senior Tutor Team. SVMS is happy to guide and support you as you learn to navigate social media as a professional.