A 2022 survey found that 65% of Canadian companies check at least some applicants' social media profiles before offering them a job. 54% use social media to screen every candidate. 41% reported finding content that caused them not to hire.
Social media is a collective term for websites and applications that focus on communication, community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. Social media sites like YouTube, Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat and Facebook have created a vast and influential means to entertain, inform, and celebrate. However, those same social media apps can create a very unhealthy experience and environment. The following will assist in the preparation of appropriate use of social media, as well as safeguards to avoid to maintain and support a positive extra-curricular experience.
Positive use of Social Media:
Celebration
- Highlight Impressive plays and positive activities
- Celebrate Positive behavior and happenings
Promotion 'Build Your Brand'
- What do you want to be known for
- Share accomplishments
- Share your personality
Communication
- Promote upcoming games/events
- Report scores, stats and awards.
- Have a purpose
Positive posts and use of social media can:
- Earn respect of others
- Build team morale
- Cause fans to appreciate the team more
- Display good leadership
- Illustrate positive role model actions
Do not use Social Media for:
- Inappropriate behaviour/post
- Racist
- Homophobic
- Sexually Graphic information
- Bullying / Harassment
- Get into arguments/fights
- Keep information private that should stay private
- Issues with coaches, playing time, etc... should never be addressed on social media
Inappropriate posts can keep you from getting:
- Scholarships
- Into schools
- Internships
- Scholarships
Use the Grandma/ Newspaper rule - would you want your grandma to see what you posted or would you be ok with your post being on the front page of the newspaper.
Consequences of negative Social Media use:
- 1 post can wipe away years of work
- Loss of job, position, being on a team
- Posts can easily be archived and accessed
- It can happen to anyone!!!!
Exercise 1
Google the phrase "athletes losing scholarships due to social media." Read through several of the articles that cover this topic. Identify what you can learn from the experiences of others to protect your digital footprint.
Exercise 2
Visit the 'X' (Twitter) profile of your favorite professional or collegiate sports team or player. Look through their posts and think about the following questions:
How do they treat their players/teammates?
How do they handle conflict?
How do they manage a loss? How do they celebrate a win?
How do they promote teamwork?
Online Videos
Lethbridge School Division & ASAA Policies
ASAA - Social Media
- All use of social media by an ASAA member school or its representatives (i.e. coaches, students and all school personnel) must demonstrate good citizenship, showing respect and a high standard of courtesy, fair play and good sportsmanship.
- Exhibits of rude, abusive behavior to any other person, uses of vulgar, obscene or abusive language and/or gestures found on social media outlets is subject to the Discipline and Misconduct policies as found in Section Il Discipline and Misconduct, Sections 1-13.
Lethbridge School Division Policy
607.4.9. Parent use of social media
It is recognized that Lethbridge School Division does not have any jurisdiction over parents' personal use of social media. It should be communicated to parents, however, that defamatory statements regarding Lethbridge School Division staff members or students within the context of school-related events or instruction, will be defined as harassment. Sanctions may include those delineated in the Division Procedure 402.8.1 Harassment and Discrimination: a written warning, issue of trespassing notice, termination of volunteerism, and/or referral to appropriate authorities such as law enforcement. (Procedure 607.4.9)