Social Media, such as Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, YouTube, KiK, WhatsApp, blogs, and others, are powerful tools of communication that have significant impact on your personal reputation as well as the reputation of TCHS Cheer. You and your parent/guardian must read and sign this contract acknowledging your responsibility to use Social Media responsibly as a member of TCHS Cheer. You are committing to following the guidelines below when using Social Media. Always be authentic (disclose and use your own identity If you post personally, or on as TCHS Cheer, make sure you are aware of the Standards of Conduct stated in the TCHS Student Handbook as you share your personal views about yourself, other students, school personnel, or the school. Never post false, inaccurate or misleading information that could be taken as truth. Never pretend to be someone else when you post personally or as TCHS Cheer. Tracking tools enable supposedly anonymous posts to be traced back to the authors. Always be honest about yourself and views without providing personal information that could be used against you. Do not share information that could endanger you or someone else. Think twice before posting. Privacy does not exist in the world of Social Media. Consider what would happen if a post becomes widely known, and how that may reflect on your reputation, the reputation of your family and friends, the reputation of another student, and the reputation of TCHS or TCHS Cheer. Moreover, the information you place online could jeopardize your future when applying to college or even applying for a job. Colleges and employers are increasingly conducting online searches of applicants. Be respectful and thoughtful. As a student of TCHS Cheer, be mindful of the school's commitment to showing respect and dignity for all people and to the civil and thoughtful discussion of opposing ideas. Refrain from negativity and putting-down, criticizing and demeaning others. Abstain from posting any objectionable content that could be considered obscene, threatening, hostile, indecent or offensive, including written and graphic material. Treat others the way you would like them to treat you while posting on Social Media sites. Know the rules. Follow a code of ethics. Become familiar with the terms of service and policies of the Social Media sites and networks in which you participate and the appropriate code of ethics required for responsible online communications. Always remember that Cyber Bullying is the willful and repeatedly bullying or harassment of another person or persons' through the medium of Social Media, which includes, electronic text. Students who engage in Cyber Bullying on Social Media sites, including electronic text, may be subject to discipline by TCHS administrators and, if necessary, by The Colony Police Department as CYBERBULLYING is ILLEGAL. Remember the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" when you post on any Social Media site.
Should you receive any information regarding any possible danger or threat to the school, DO NOT CREATE A POST OR FORWARD IT. If at school, alert a teacher, counselor or administrator immediately. If at home, tell a parent and have them contact LISD or the Police. Forwarding any post that could cause alarm, widespread panic and emergency response could be a criminal offense.
Should you violate any of these guidelines, not only are you violating TCHS's Student Code of Conduct, but your actions could also be criminal. By following these guidelines not only are you demonstrating good moral character, but you're also protecting yourself from criminal liabilities. Feel free to contact TCHS School Resource Officer (SRO) should you have any questions about the criminal aspects/penalties related to the misuse of Social Media. The following Texas Penal Code references apply to the types of offenses applicable to misuse of Social Media: - Sec 33.07 Online Impersonation (up to 3rd degree Felony) - Sec 42.06 False Alarm or Report (up to 3rd degree Felony) - Sec 43.261 Electronic Transmission of Cert. Visual. Material (up to Class A Misdemeanor) *By signing this contract, I agree to uphold all of the above guidelines!