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Harlingen CISD

Social Media Etiquette

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Social Media Guidelines

  • Social Media Guidelines for Staff

    Social media plays a powerful role in shaping our district’s image. As employees, we ask all staff to use social media responsibly, professionally, and thoughtfully.

    During the Workday

    • Personal social media use should be limited during work hours
       
    • Do not use social media during instructional time or student supervision
       
    • District devices and networks are for work-related use only
       

    Representing the District

    • Staff are representatives of the district on and off campus
       
    • Content shared publicly — even on personal accounts — can impact our students.
       
    • Be mindful that posts, comments, likes, and shares may be viewed by students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
       

    Be Mindful of Content

    • Avoid posting or sharing content that is:
       
      • Inappropriate or unprofessional
         
      • Political or controversial
         
      • Disrespectful to students, staff, or the district
         
    • Ask yourself: Would I be comfortable if this were seen by parents or administrators?



       

    Communication Boundaries

    • Do not communicate with students through personal social media accounts
       
    • Use approved platforms for school-related communication (ParentSquare, StudentSquare, etc.)
       
    • Report concerns rather than responding publicly online
       

    Final Reminder

    When in doubt — pause before posting. Professional, respectful online behavior helps build trust and reflects our commitment to students and the community.

     

  • Campus & Department Social Media Guidelines

    To ensure consistency, professionalism, and student safety, the following guidelines must be followed when creating and managing campus or department social media accounts.

    1. Authorization Required

    Campus or department social media accounts may not be created without prior written authorization from the campus Principal or department Director.

    All social media accounts must comply with district policies, procedures, and regulations.

    2. Account Administrators

    • Each campus or department social media account must have at least two (2) administrators.
    • Administrators must be full-time employees assigned to that campus or department.
      • One administrator should be the individual responsible for creating and managing the account.
      • The second administrator should be a campus administrator or department director.
    • If a change in account administration occurs, the outgoing administrator must ensure the incoming replacement is granted full access to the social media account before departing.
      • No notification to the Public Relations Department is required for administrator changes.

    3. Monitoring & Comment Management

    • Account administrators are responsible for closely monitoring all activity on the account.
    • Any profane, inappropriate, or disrespectful comments must be removed promptly.
    • Administrators must notify their immediate supervisor if there is a concern regarding comments that involve:
      • Student, staff, or community safety
      • Illegal or immoral activity
      • Direct mentions or targeting of students, staff, administrators, or board members
    • Comments of this nature should be documented (screenshots) before removal.
    • The district reserves the right to block users who directly call out or target individuals on district or campus social media pages.


     

    4. Student Privacy & Media Releases

    • Administrators must verify that student media release forms are on file before posting photos or videos of students.

    5. Appropriate Content Only

    • All posts must be:
      • School-related and educational in nature
      • Professional, accurate, and appropriate
    • Content should focus on school events, activities, achievements, and district initiatives only.

    6. No Advertising

    Advertising is strictly prohibited on campus or department social media accounts.
    This includes promotions for businesses, organizations, fundraisers not approved by the district, or personal ventures.

    7. Required Authorization Form

    The Harlingen CISD Social Media Authorization Form (available on the district website) must be:

    • Completed
    • Approved
    • On file with the Public Relations Department before any campus or department social media account is created.

  • Download PDF File

    Harlingen CISD Social Media Authorization Form

    I authorize the creation of a Social Media Account for:

    School/ Department: ___________________________

    Social Media Administrator: ___________________________ (please print name)

    Contact Information:

    • Email: ___________________________@hcisd.org
    • Phone: ___________________________

    By signing below, I verify that I have read the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District Social Media Guidelines and agree to adhere to these requirements, as well as all district policies concerning the use of electronic media to communicate with students, staff, and parents.

    Signatures:

    • Principal/ Director: ___________________________ Date: ____________
    • Social Media Administrator: _______________________ Date: ____________

    Instructions:

    • This form must be completed and on file with the Public Relations Department before you create Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other official social media pages.
    • Upon completion, keep one copy at your campus and send the original to the Public Relations Department at the Administration Building.
    • For questions, email alyssa.vela@hcisd.org or call (956)430-9530.