Social media features prominently in code of conduct complaints. It is a very powerful and direct way to access the community served by local councils. It can be highly effective in conveying key messages and stimulating debate and feedback. However, it can also be toxic and unforgiving when the boundaries are pushed too far.
e-Learning
In this introductory e-learning module, we’ll consider the opportunities and risks associated with social media from a civility and respect perspective. We will explore a range of proactive and pre-emptive strategies councils, and councillors can implement to set themselves up for success. We’ll explore what to do if things go wrong and how to manage a range of scenarios from trolling to harassment, and practice what steps you can take.
REGISTER FOR e-Learning Module
Reading
Social media is a simple, quick and effective way of communicating. It allows a user to reach whole communities at the click of a button, which is perfect for community engagement. Councils and councillors can constructively engage with communities rather than simply broadcasting information. But unfortunately, in a small number of cases, councillors and councils can experience online abuse. Social media can become where individuals resort to abusive behaviour, such as aggressive language, threats, trolling and bullying. Building up your following on social media is more challenging if a small number of angry voices dominate.
The project team has collaborated with Breakthrough Communications to develop a new guide to social media for councils, officers and councillors to actively address the issues of civility and respect on social media. It is designed to guide you through the challenges of social media for local councils, from handling trolling to legitimate challenge and scrutiny, from smear campaigns to politics. The guide will help you use positive language to tone to shape engagement and the conversation, to find common ground and engage with various views.
There is also help on escalating issues, deleting and moderating comments, blocking abusive users, reporting online abuse and legal matters to the police or social media platforms and deciding when it is time to get off social media.
Social Media Civility & Respect Guide and Policy Supplement
