Recognising the professional boundaries for social networking is a fine balancing act where awareness is key, says Helen Wickam.
Following an increase in the number of members falling foul of their employers social networking policy, SoR professional officer Helen has begun a campaign to increase the guidance for radiographers and students.
While few employers have formalised their netiquette expectations, plenty are taking staff to task for things they have said on Facebook and similar sites, shesuggests: "Many of the cases I'm dealing with at the moment on behalf of Society members is that radiographers already in trouble at work fail to recognise that baring their soul on Facebook will be construed as a breach of confidentiality.
"They seem to act without caution in writing about anything and everything that occurs at work, but fail to recognise that might not be wise."
Helen suggests a lack of boundaries and ability to recognise them is at the root of the problem. "Online social networking is a relatively new phenomenon so I think some guidance for radiographers will help to steer them away from trouble."
The SoR has already issued basic guidance on Facebook use for members and there is more in the offing.
Some invididual students are tackling the problem too. James Jassie, student representative at Teesside University is already on the case to guide his peers. He has arranged talks for students during freshers week where he will give examples of student fitness to practice hearings and highlight guidance available to avoid problems.
He said: "I am putting together a presentation for first year students about social networking sites with the hope that I will get the chance to educate the next intake of radiography students before they cause trouble for themselves."
• Have you got the answer? If you have a Facebook usage guidance at your university you are willing to share email the editor.
• More to come Look out in July's Synergy News and on the SoR website for Helen Wickham's Blog Spot on Facebook usage.
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