Student-athletes are encouraged to always exercise the utmost caution when participating in any form of social media or online communications, both within the PLHS community and beyond.  This policy is meant to protect students from unintended issues and consequences.  Student-athletes who participate in online interactions must remember that their posts reflect on the entire Prior Lake High School community and, as such, are subject to the same behavioral standards set forth in the Student Handbook as well as the Rules Meeting.

Student-athletes are expected to abide by the following:

·         Social media sites may not be used to publish disparaging or harassing remarks about PLHS community members, faculty, coaches, teammates, opponents, referees, athletic or academic contest rivals, etc. 

·         Those who choose to post editorial content to websites or other forms of online media must ensure that their submission does not reflect poorly upon the school.

·         To protect the privacy of PLHS students and faculty, students may not, under any circumstances, create digital video recordings of PLHS community members either on campus or at off-campus PLHS events for online publication or distribution.

·         You should assume anything you post on your personal account could be read by staff, opposing teams, coaches, alumni, or future employers. Be smart because your choice to participate in athletics or activities means that you are always "on the clock" when it comes to the rules and representing PLHS. General athletics content may be posted, but social media should not be used to speak poorly about another athlete/coach/team/etc.

Failure to abide by this Policy, as with other policies at PLHS, may result in disciplinary action.

Best Practices when using Social Media

·         Think twice before posting. If you wouldn't want your boss, parents, or future employer to see your post, don't post it.  Don't post anything that you wouldn’t say openly in a classroom setting.

·         Be respectful. Be positive. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.  It's the Golden Rule!

·         Be honest. Be transparent. Always tell the truth.

·         Remember many different audiences will see your posts including fans, alumni, kids, student athletes, parents, staff, faculty

·         Remember that the internet is permanent. Even if you delete something, it’s still out there somewhere.

·         Avoid topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory, like politics and religion.

·         Social media outlets can be very effective when used strategically but they can also be huge time-burners.  Have a plan for your social media activity.  Whenever you post something, make sure it adds value so that there is a return on your investment of time.

·         Be in the right state of mind when you make a post.  Don't post when you're angry or upset.  Remember, the internet is permanent! 

·         Have PL Pride! Link back to other PLHS and Athletics postings