As the field of technology continues to grow and innovate, social workers are increasingly faced with challenges regarding the ethical use of social media and specific technologies. While the School of Social Work recognizes that, increasingly, students and practitioners utilize various aspects of technology in their schoolwork, social work practice, and daily lives, it is crucial that all students adhere to the ethical principles outlined in the NASW Technology Standards. As such, the SSW has developed the following guidelines regarding the use of technology in the classroom and in field:
- Students should avoid utilizing technologies (such as email, social media and networking, and text messaging) to communicate with clients for personal or non-work-related matters.
- Students should avoid utilizing technologies (computers, cellphones, Smartphones, tablets, or other technological devices) for non-class related activities, as this is disruptive to other students as well as instructors.
- Students should be aware that posting personal information on social networking or social media sites can create dual relationships with clients and/or confuse boundaries.
- Students should avoid connecting with clients on social media or social networking sites.
- Students should avoid posting client information on social media and/or social networking sites.
- Students should be aware that personal affiliations may increase the likelihood that clients may discover the social worker’s presence on websites, social media, or other forms of technology. Electronic communication with groups based on race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation or other personal affiliations may impact the student’s ability to work effectively with specific groups.
- All students should obtain informed consent from clients before utilizing technology-based interventions in practice with them and should be adequately trained in the use of these technologies before utilizing them with clients.
- Audio and video recording of classroom discussions are not permitted unless specified as an accommodation for a documented disability through Accessibility Services.
- Individual instructors may limit (at their discretion) the use of specific types of electronic devices in the classroom, including (but not limited to) cellphones/smartphones, laptops, mp3 and other digital audio and video players, and analog/digital audio and video recording devices.
All students are asked to review these policies and adhere to these policies while in the BSW program. Violation of any of these policies is grounds for disciplinary action, including probation, suspension, and/or dismissal from the BSW program.