Social media guidelines for local candidates

I keep meaning to try and come up with some guidelines for local politicians who choose to use social media. So far I’ve failed spectacularly but Easter isn’t far off and there’s nothing else to do in lockdown! So far I’m thinking some kind of mashup of the following might work:

Do you have any other good examples, or ideas for what they could include?

These generally look like a great set of advice for most people to be honest!

I certainly learnt something!

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Made a start on a very rough early draft earlier, before getting side tracked by Easter eggs. Hoping to get something ready in time for the when all the candidates are announced so it would be fantastic to get some feedback and suggestions…

Know and follow The Seven Principles of Public Life

Be mindful that what you publish will be public for a long time

Be authentic and personal

Respect your audience. Don’t use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conduct that would not be acceptable in person.

Always pause and think before posting.
Don’t pick fights, be the first to correct your own mistakes.
Be honest. Say what you know to be true or have a good source for. If you’ve made a mistake, don’t be afraid to admit it.

Always check facts. Do not automatically assume that material is accurate and take reasonable steps where necessary to seek verification, for example, by checking data/statistics and being wary of photo manipulation.

Try to add value. Provide worthwhile information and perspective.

Social media is a good place to discuss community issues however for case work of a more personal nature, reply to suggest they phone or email your office or attend one of your advice surgeries.

Do not block constituents. You should not block constituents unless they are abusive, harmful or obscene, in which case you should report them to the relevant social media company and the police.