Digital Technology and Social Networking Policy

It is the policy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc. that you do not invite or accept an invitation from your Little to a social networking site unless Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties has signed consent of the child’s parent/guardian granting permission. In general, the use of social networking sites is typically for communications between peers. Your relationship with your Little is that of a mentor rather than a peer.

If you do choose to participate in social networking sites, with the permission of the child’s parent/guardian, whereby you intend to post about your Little or post anything regarding your involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc., you must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Be aware of any sensitive postings on your page that are not Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc. related or are inappropriate for minors. Know that as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc. mentor you are a role model at all times. Please ensure that all contents are appropriate and child friendly, in case your Little or their family were to read your social networking page.
• If the social networking site allows, create a separate group for your Little, their parent guardian and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc. staff that limits your Little’s access to your general or universal postings.
• Do not participate in any online communication with/about your Little unless you have discussed this with the parent/guardian and/or Mentoring Relationship Specialist and have received their approval.
• Never post any pictures of your Little online unless you have the signed consent of the child’s parent/guardian. That consent should be filed with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc.
• Never post the last name of your Little or their parent/guardian or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc. staff.
• Never post any contact information for your Little or any other identifying information about your Little (i.e. child’s home address, school the child attends, where the parent works etc.).
• Do not post anything that could be perceived as judgmental or offensive to your Little or their parent/guardian.
• Make sure your page settings are set to private, so that only people you approve of can view your online content.
• Honor confidentiality guidelines within your match; do not post identifying (name, age, location, school etc.) or detailed information about conversations with your Little, their parent/guardian or with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc. staff. Posting generalized information or status updates is typically acceptable, but lengthier postings or blogs containing in-depth information should be approved by the parent/guardian and by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc. before posting.
• Do not post details about match activities geared towards current Bigs only as listed in emails to mentors or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc. monthly newsletter. These opportunities are not meant for the general public.
• This list is not all inclusive. When in doubt about whether or not something is acceptable to post, consult with your Mentoring Relationship Specialist prior to posting.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, Inc. has the right to monitor the social activity of our Bigs.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in the termination of your match.

I am willing that a photocopy or digital copy of all authorizations in this form be accepted with the same authority as the original document.