1. Social Media

2. Overview Social Media is here to stay Social Media Guidelines
Social Media and Youth Protection
Internet Safety Guidelines
General Considerations
Key Social Media Channels and Associated Considerations
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Key Take-a-ways

3. Embracing Social Media
BSA acknowledges that social media is here to stay
Social media enables current and past Scouts and Scouters to communicate directly with each other about Scouting
Social media can create very positive messages about your unit and Scouting in general
Creation and maintenance of these channels requires forethought, care, and responsibility
Be aware of Chartered Organization policies

4. Social Media Guidelines
These guidelines are in addition to the BSA’s existing Youth Protection policies and training
Includes the practice of no one-one-one communication between adults and youth. Any form of communication between them should always involve a second adult.
Follow terms of service for all websites
Follow Scout Oath and Scout Law
Content contrary to the Scout Oath and Law reflect badly on the unit, the poster, and Scouting as a whole.
Comments on social media “live forever”

5. Social Media and Youth Protection
Private channels and private communication put both the youth and you at risk
Keeping children and their privacy safe, both online and off, should always be at the forefront of social media usage
Channels must be public, and all conversations on or through them must be public
No private messages and no one-on-one direct contact through
Administrators must monitor for YP violations

6. Scout Internet Safety Guidelines
Keep social media conversations online and public. Don’t be coaxed to one-on-one conversations
No last names or other PII including addresses
Elevate uncomfortable/not-right discussions
Elevate illegal activity
Never promise to keep secrets
Never agree to meet someone you met only online at any place off-line, in the real world

7. General Considerations
Add a notice: Site is not an official BSA site
Respect copyrights
No ads on unit social media sites
Of more serious concern are unit sites that engage in fundraising activities not previously approved by the local council
Social media must be monitored
Post content on a consistent schedule
Stale sites cause people to lose interest. They lead the public to believe your unit isn’t exciting or viable.

8. Facebook Gather to have conversations and share information
Can help keeps Scouting in the discussion beyond weekly meetings
Pro/Con: Unstructured or unattended can quickly detract from the experience
Must be 13 years old
Two-deep leader administration
Moderate public comments if you allow them

9. Twitter Character-limited which lends itself to quick, simple updates
Can be used like instant messaging or but in a public forum
In this capacity, good for last minute instructions or changes, links to event details, etc.
Direct-messaging capabilities should not be used because of Youth Protection policies
Designate two administrators
Moderate public commenting

10. YouTube Video-hosting and viewing Manage a channel
Must be public – no private channels
Designate two administrators
Moderate public comments
All videos must adhere to Youth Protection policies
Must be screened for privacy content (e.g. last names)

11. Key Take-a-ways Read the BSA Social Media Guidelines yourself
If you are a social media webmaster or content provider, review the Social Media Playbook
Youth Protection is paramount
Your social media reflects on you and the BSA!

12. Questions?