Electronic Mail and Social Media Use Guidelines – APS035

Reviewed/ Revised: February 2025

Purpose

The guidelines outlined in this memorandum are intended to address the issues particular to
electronic communications (e.g., e-mail, Instant Messaging (e.g., Teams Chat), Short Message
Service (SMS, cell phone text), social media environments) that represent the Waterloo Catholic
District School Board (WCDSB). This includes cases where staff directly communicate an
association with WCDSB or engage with communities that reflect upon a board to ensure that:

• WCDSB staff are informed of the electronic communications and social media use guidelines,
  how the guidelines are applied to the WCDSB’s schools, and how other policies and laws apply to
  recordkeeping.
• Electronic communications and social media services are used in compliance with those
  guidelines and laws.
• Users of electronic communications and social media services are informed about concepts of
  privacy and security.
• Disruptions to the WCDSB’s electronic communications and social media services and activities are minimized.