18: Social Media Policy and Guidelines

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY AND GUIDELINES

Commencement Date

This policy has a commencement date of 30 March 2022

Purpose

Social media can be a valuable tool in dissemination of information. However, misuse of social media can have a significant negative impact and cause reputational damage both to individuals and to the organisation as a whole.

The purpose of this Policy is to outline the expectations on the use of social media platforms by members of Dogs Queensland in line with the objects of the organisation. Dogs Queensland has a Social Media Policy in order to protect members and the organisation.

What is social media?

Social media is online media that allows for interaction and/or participation. This policy covers any conversation or activity that occurs online, where people can share information about, or that might impact on, Dogs Queensland, its members or members of any affiliated bodies. It includes, but is not limited to:

• social networking platforms such as Facebook/Meta (including Messenger) and Twitter; • video and photo sharing websites such as YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok; • online forums, discussion boards and groups.

Who does this policy apply to?

This Social Media Policy applies to all members and employees of Dogs Queensland.

Why am I required to Comply?

The Social Media Policy is part of the Rules of Dogs Queensland. Upon becoming a member and at renewal, members agree to abide by the Constitution and Rules of the Canine Control Council (Queensland) Ltd, and Code of Ethics. Dogs Queensland’s Constitution and Rules prohibit members from engaging in various types of conduct, including behaving in a manner which is: • Dishonest, malicious, vexatious or scandalous or contrary to law; • Discreditable to the member concerned or any other member; • prejudicial or injurious to another member or any person interested in canine affairs; and • prejudicial or injurious to the interests, image and standing of Dogs Queensland.

Guiding Principles

Members are responsible for their conduct including what they publish on social media. As a general guide, before posting or commenting on social media, members should apply the following test: 1. Is it true or fair to those who are the subject of the post? 2. Would I be prepared to say this directly to the person or publish this in a public forum? 3. Is it likely to cause potential damage to the reputation of an individual or organisation? 4. Will it encourage and promote membership of Dogs Queensland and encourage participation in Dogs Queensland’s events? 5. Is it likely to have a positive or negative effect on the public perception of the dog world?

Policy

Whenever Dogs Queensland members and employees are interacting on Social Media, whether in an official or personal capacity, the following applies at all times: • Members are required to abide by the Constitution & Rules, including the Codes of Ethics and applicable Policies; • Members are expected to act in a way which falls within the community expectations of good and appropriate behaviour and manners; • Members must be polite and respectful in their dealings with ANKC Ltd and its member Bodies, staff, members, affiliates and their members, and any other related parties, including Judges. • Members must respond to the opinions of others in a civil and respectful manner; • Members must not make defamatory, disparaging, degrading or derogatory comments about ANKC Ltd and its member bodies, staff, members, affiliated bodies and their members, any other related parties, or any domestic or international Judges, either expressly or implicitly; • Members must not engage in harassment, bullying or intimidation towards any person or organisation; • Members must not discriminate, disparage or make derogatory comments about any person on the basis of their race, age, religion or sexual preference; • Members must not make derogatory or disparaging comments in relation to the dogs of another member of Dogs Queensland or any of its affiliates, or that would be perceived as being derogatory or disparaging against dogs of another member of Dogs Queensland or any members of its affiliates; • Members must not utilise abusive, profane, obscene or sexually explicit language or material; • Members must obtain written permission from Dogs Queensland before posting any content on any Social Media platform to make statements or comments on behalf of Dogs Queensland or which could be construed to be attributed to Dogs Queensland or before using the Dogs Queensland logo.

Social Media Communications – Private v Public

Posts, private messages and comments on social media platforms constitute a publication. Private messages and communications are not necessarily confidential. There is an inherent risk that posts and comments on social media may be shared or disseminated by the recipients and then others.

Complaints Process

Members can make complaints about the misuse of social media under Dogs Queensland’s formal Complaints Procedure.

Consequences of non-compliance

Breach of the Social Media Policy constitutes a breach of the Rules. Misuse of social media can have serious consequences for Dogs Queensland, its affiliated bodies, staff and members.

Freedom of Speech (to the extent that this exists) does not mean freedom from consequences.

Disciplinary action may be taken against members who misuse social media. Depending on the nature and/or seriousness of the breach, this may be referred to the Board, the Breaches Panel and/or the Police. Consequences of disciplinary action include, but are not limited to, issue of a formal warning, suspension or termination of membership.