Online Information Services and Social Media Social Networking

The internet is changing the way we live Social Networking Sites play an increasingly important role in the Lives of many young people, presenting them with both Opportunity and risk. It is recognised that young people need continuous support To develop skills in order to navigate the opportunities of Communication via social networking. As professionals, we should understand and be part of Social media.

Social Media Statistics As of June 2011, Facebook has 750 Million users. Social networking now accounts for 22% of all time spent online Within the US. Facebook tops Google for weekly traffic in the US. If Facebook were a country, it would be the worlds third largest. YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. In four minutes and 26 seconds, 100+ videos will be uploaded to YouTube.

Benefits and Risks of using Social Networking Benefits of using SNS’s to Communicate with young people Risks of using SNS’s to communicate with young people Developing and maintaining friendships Extending social networks and joining interest based groups. Creativity and self-expression Informal Learning Access to information, advice and guidance Increased participation/fun Being cyberbullied or cyberbulying Publishing personal details Being in contact with, and meeting strangers Being exposed to grooming and abuse Being excluded due to lack of access to online social networking

Youth Support Services Social Networking Consortium

Has been developed as a result of regional working, both within local authorities And within the CLIC network Confusion and conflicting information around using social media in a safe way Within local authorities Identified a collective need to use social media as a tool to interact with young people, Therefore a social networking protocol is being developed in order to safeguard Staff and young people in the process. The consortium reflects the continued and emerging strength of the Youth Work sector In Wales and responds to the rapid development of virtual communication. The network is committed to developing and supporting methods of engaging young People through the use of social media, while also safeguarding YW’s and YP.

Regional Social Networking Protocol The protocol/working document offers social media guidance providing detailed Procedures on behaviour, content generation, responsibilities, as well as Safeguarding for young people. Each local area is governed by own policies and procedures, which are separate, But work in line with social networking protocol. Input has been provided by each local area’s level of expertise, social media Experience, reflection of presented needs and individual development. The protocol is a working doccument, one it is developed, agreed by PYO’s, IT Departments and CYPP’s, the consortium will continueto meet quartely to keep Up-to-date with the continously changiong element of social media.

Regional Social Networking Protocol Consortium – Terms of reference, purpose, aims and objectives. Confidentiality and safeguarding – Procedures to follow in order to ensure online Disclosures are dealt with in a safe and secure way. Staff responsibilities – Specific responsibilities for staff, do’s and don’t’s relating to Communication with young people and content published on SNS’s. Terms of Use – How should the protocol be used by staff, staff responsibilities Relating to the use of this document. Specific social networking guidance – General and specific guidelines relating to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Responsibilities relating to moderation – Do’s and Don’t’s of moderation reflecting Organisation/service. Checklist – Ensuring that staff have read and understood the protocol. Reference and Training – References to governing documents, and relevant training Has been completed before moderation.

Scenarios A young person posts a (public) video of themselves mentioning the name of their school

Scenarios A young person posts a (public) video of themselves mentioning the name of their school A Facebook page you moderate contains comments by young people which could be perceived as bullying towards another young person

Scenarios You notice a colleague has posted content on their Work Facebook which you find questionable in a work environment, such as offensive language or an image of a young person some may find inappropriate

Scenarios An 18-year-old who you have worked with in the past (and is Facebook friends with many other young people you work with) gets a job within your company. Do you make them delete their Facebook friends in accordance with your SN policy?

Scenarios You wish to voice a strong political opinion on your personal (public) blog

Scenarios You wish to voice a strong political opinion on your personal (public) blog A young person expresses political opinions on Facebook and asks what you think

Scenarios You wish to voice a strong political opinion on your personal (public) blog A young person expresses political opinions on Facebook and asks what you think A young person expresses extreme/racist/dangerous political/religious opinions on their friend’s page. Do you intervene?

Scenarios A YP who seldom attends any face-to-face services within your organisation discloses an important issue to you through a private Facebook message.

Scenarios You have been asked by your line manager to create a media project which aims to engage young people through social media within your organisation and local area. You are asked to create your own profile on a social networking website which should be tailored to young people’s interests and needs. How would you use social media to benefit the needs of young and to engage them in opportunities to increase their participation?