Social Media Guidelines for Bigs from BBBS

May 15, 2013 / by novabigs / Make A Comment / Filed under News

Child safety is a top priority for Big Brothers Big Sisters.  As a Big, you need to protect the privacy of your Little at all times.  Social media sites, such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and MySpace, do not prevent the public viewing of information and pictures.  It is important that BBBS volunteers avoid posting any personal information about their Little, full name, where they live, or descriptions of their personal or family background that could identify your Little or be considered disrespectful.

It is appropriate to post general information about your match such as activities you share or highlights of your time together.  Posting a youth’s last name, address or information that might identify them is never appropriate.  For example, an appropriate post would be:  “Today, I am baking cookies with my Little Sister Sam (First Name ONLY) from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.”

BBBS staff obtain parent/guardian permission to post photos and limited profile information on youth on our website or other agency media outlets such as TV and print.  These are the only acceptable instances for public posting of BBBS program participants.  We do not obtain permission for volunteers to post pictures of their Littles on their personal social media site(s). If you would like to post a picture of your Little on your personal social media page, the agency requests that you respect the privacy of others and obtain your Little’s guardian’s permission before doing so.  In addition, pictures should never be tagged and must display an appropriate activity(s).

Your Little’s Access to Your Social Media Site

Many Littles may want to friend their Big on MySpace or Facebook.  There are two main points to consider before you become friends with a Little or keeping your profile open to the public:

1. You are a role model.  Even though it is perfectly normal adult behavior to go out or attend a party, etc., your Little should not be exposed to pictures or comments that are inappropriate. Keep in mind that people can tag you in pictures and write comments that your Little may see before you can delete them.
2. The BBBS program is designed to develop relationships between Bigs and Littles via one-to-one interaction.  Sharing information with your Little via Social Media can change how your friendship develops.  For example, if your Little’s page/site indicates they are engaged in behavior that puts them in danger such as drinking, doing drugs or cyber bullying, depending on the situation, you may be obligated to take action.  Also, your Little may see personal information that you may not be ready to share with them such as a change in your relationship status or how you feel about school or work.  Sharing this type of personal information could impact the relationship negatively and impede trust from developing.

Comments/Wall Posts

One of the main advantages of Social Media sites is the ability to interact and communicate with other Bigs, either to ask for advice or share experiences.  We support this type of communication when used appropriately without identifying personal information.  There have even been cases in which a former Big or Little has reached out to the online community to find their Little/Big.  In addition, parents/guardians of Littles can also join the Big Brothers Big Sisters online community to offer past and current experiences.  Please remember to always maintain the privacy of Littles and their families.

Facebook Security Setting Recommendations, if you decide to Friend your Little

Go to Privacy Settings:

Select Hide (LITTLE BROTHER or SISTER NAME) this from view for the following items:

• Photos and Videos of Me. Select “Hide Photos and Videos of Me where I am tagged from view of NAME OF LITTLE”.
• Posts by friends
• Comments on posts
• Photo Albums (case by case basis)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area

Social Media Guidelines for Bigs

BBBS Facebook Fan Page and YouTube

Visit BBBSNCA at www.BBBSNCA.org, Like Us on Facebook, and

See BBBS matches in action! www.YouTube.com/BBBSVolunteers