We understand that it is likely you’ll be keen to use social media to share your experiences, feelings and the fun and adventure you have as a scout. If you have a blog or a profile on a social networking site such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Google+, Foursquare (or any other social GPS positioning apps) and you have stated that you volunteer for scouting, then any comment or opinion you put forward will become associated with scouting. This includes but is not limited to blog entries, photo and video uploads, status updates, tweets, or check-ins.
Of course, we are happy for you to mention that you are involved in scouting in general terms. This might include comments such as ‘I’m excited about tonight’s troop meeting’, or ‘Had great fun working with the cubs today’. However, we ask that you please avoid mentioning any real specific details of the operations within your group/unit or district and particularly avoid posting negative feelings, comments or points of view on any situation that may occur.
We also recognise that social media can be useful for specific scouting projects. Our advice is that you need to be very conscious of the context in which these sites are used and ensure the public cannot view any personal information of our members.
When posting on social media sites please always remember that you are representing our organisation and we trust you, so act accordingly.
- Be professional; remember that you are an ambassador for scouting
- Be responsible; and honest at all times. When you gain insight; share it with others but only when appropriate
- Be credible; accurate, fair, and thorough and make sure you are doing the right thing
- Be responsive; in a similar way to how you would respond to a letter or email. Visit and check frequently the online spaces and feeds where you/we have a presence or could be mentioned and respond positively and promptly to the comments and conversations.
Always remember that participation online results in your comments being permanently available and open to being republished in other media by other people.
You need to be especially careful about those you accept as ‘friends’ on sites such as ‘Facebook’. These sites are essentially designed for peer-to-peer contact. It is vitally important to ask yourself “Is the content of the messages and photographs available to be viewed on my profile suitable for young people (or their parents) in my section to see?” If the answer is ‘no’, or even a hesitation then do not put it up.