Attention: Parents and Students regarding Social Media

Please read the following message about social media.
From the Principal…..

Parents and Students,

As we get into the holiday season, it is time to remind all students who are involved in extracurricular activities and their parents of a policy that could affect their status as a team member. All extracurricular programs at Diboll High School have a policy concerning social media that, if violated, may result in removal from the program. They are as follows:

Athletics:
It is impermissible for student-athletes to post information, photos, or other representations of sexual content, inappropriate behavior (e.g.: drug or alcohol use), or items that could interpret as demeaning or inflammatory. Student-athletes are required to abide by all team policies, athletic department policies, and DISD student code of conduct rules when utilizing social media websites.

Dazzlers:
Maintaining a higher standard of conduct will also include ensuring that drill team members' websites are appropriate. The Internet is a worldwide, publicly accessible form of communication. Any communication such as, but not limited to, Snapchat messages, Facebook, Instagram, or photo sharing, etc., appearing on the Internet is public domain even if it is marked private. Drill members are responsible for their websites and postings as well as for postings on other students' sites. The area of appropriateness will include, but is not limited to, language (abbreviated or alluding to), pictures, suggestive poses, clothing, and any reference to alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. The principal and sponsor will decide any questions of appropriateness.

Cheerleaders:
Any communication using any form of social media such as, but not limited to, Snapchat messages, Facebook, Instagram, or photo sharing, etc., appearing on the Internet is public domain even if it is marked private. This includes, but is not limited to, language (abbreviated or alluding to), pictures, suggestive poses, clothing, any reference to alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, and any reference to a parent, sponsor, or another cheerleader in any derogatory manner.

Student Code of Conduct for DISD:
Sending, posting, delivering, or possessing electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually-oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal, including cyberbullying and "sexting," either on or off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment or infringes on the rights of another student at school.

As the principal of the high school, I want everyone to be informed. Social media has become a very unhealthy environment for our children. By the time the principal and vice-principal have gotten involved, the text that was posted or reposted is demeaning, harsh, and full of vulgarity. Parents, I would suggest that you take the time to look at your child's social media posts. One statement about a student, school employee, or parent could cost them demerits or removal from their position on the team or program. I am asking coaches and sponsors to take immediate action with all athletes and/or performing team members who have posted in an inappropriate manner.

For the student body at large; from this point forward, students who post demeaning, derogatory, and/or threatening posts toward anyone will be subject to disciplinary action. Please be aware that this action will include ISS, OSS, and (depending on the nature of the post) Disciplinary Alternative Education Program.

Lastly; many colleges, universities, employers, tech colleges, and junior colleges are beginning to check all social media sites to see how you present yourself. Students found with demeaning or derogatory posts are not admitted.

BE CAREFUL Students.

John R. Clements, M.Ed
Principal Diboll High School

Published November 5, 2019 Print