Social media policies and guidelines for higher ed students must be clear and concise, focusing on promoting a positive, respectful, and safe online environment.
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Creating smart social media guidelines for higher ed students

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Social media is an integral part of students’ personal and academic life.

But, without clear policies and guidelines, students can find themselves in regrettable online situations, putting your college or university in awkward positions.

That’s why it’s really important—even necessary—to create a clear map on how to best navigate the social media jungle.

Here are 10 tips higher ed institutions can use to create a positive social media experience for students.

1. Distinguish between personal and official accounts

There will be a ton of blowback if students mistakenly believe that their school is trying to police personal social media accounts.

But that’s not what’s happening here.

The goal of your school’s social media guidelines is to reassure and remind students that:

  • Their personal social media accounts are their own and they’re free to use them as they see fit.
  • Content and opinions expressed on personal accounts must never be passed off as those of the university.
  • They should avoid using school branding on personal accounts, which can create the appearance of an official college or university account.
  • When students are representing the school officially, their content has to align with the institution’s mission, values, and brand identity.

While your college or university shouldn’t try to control what students say on their personal accounts, these reminders offer some guidance on how they can avoid misrepresenting their personal opinions as official school stances.

social media guidelines for higher education

Kent State University Guide to Social Media presents their social media policies, guidelines, and platform tips in plain language on a series of short webpages—not a long legal-like document.

2. Focus on behavior, not content

Create social media policies, guidelines, and student codes of conduct that address behavior, not specific content.

For instance, instead of banning controversial topics, focus on prohibiting harassment, bullying, threats, and hate speech.

This approach protects your university, your student body and faculty, and your reputation by defining acceptable behavior without repressing free speech and respectful discourse.

3. Prioritize safety and respect

Make it clear that college and university social media guidelines are not about policing content.
Instead, emphasize that they’re in place to ensure the safety, respect, and well-being of the entire community.

The guidelines should include a zero-tolerance policy for online harassment, hate speech, bullying, and other forms of abusive behavior.

By clearly defining what these behaviors are, your higher ed institution can implement strict enforcement mechanisms and outline consequences—creating a more respectful and inclusive online environment for everyone.

4. Stress the importance of confidentiality and privacy

Explicitly state the importance of protecting confidential information, such as your internal university strategies or sensitive research data.

Students should also be reminded not to share private information about themselves, fellow students, faculty, or staff—especially information protected by laws such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) or GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

social media guidelines for higher education

Buckinghamshire New University’s Social Media Advice webpage of Student Social Media Policy PDF offers valuable information on protecting your well-being online, social media safety, online conduct and behavior, and case studies on good and poor practice.


5. Be specific about consequences

Social media guidelines for higher ed students aren’t just a list of dos and don'ts.

They have to also clearly outline the potential consequences for violations—with zero ambiguity.

Penalties can range from warnings for a first infraction to suspension or expulsion for persistent violations.

This clarity—and the seriousness of the consequences—helps your students understand the gravity of their actions and provides transparency for enforcement.

6. Emphasize digital permanence

Remind your students that deleted content is never truly deleted.

That content can be stored on a personal computer, archived on a server, saved as a screenshot, or shared by email.

Your college or university should educate students on the concept of a digital footprint and the permanence of online content.

No matter how insignificant students may think content is when posted, it can have long-lasting effects on their personal, academic, and professional lives— even following them on to future employment opportunities.

7. Promote responsible representation

Reassure students that they have the right to express their opinions.

But tell them that they shouldn’t present their views as being those of your university unless authorized to do so by your school’s faculty or staff.

This is especially important for students in leadership roles or those managing official university social media accounts.

8. Establish clear reporting mechanisms

Make it easy for students to report violations (anonymously, when possible) of the social media guidelines.

Higher ed institutions should provide several avenues for reporting, including:

  • a dedicated email address
  • an online form on the school’s official website or student portal
  • a contact person well-versed in these matters 

social media guidelines for higher education

Brown University’s Social Media Guidelines & Best Practices webpage clearly separates its guidelines by institutional, departmental, and organizational use; social media managers and professional use; and personal use.


9. Remind them to "think before you post"

The speed and often reactionary nature of social media can cause students to post or respond in a heartbeat, without considering the ramifications.

To combat this impulsivity, encourage your students to “count to 10” before they post, literally or metaphorically. A simple moment of reflection can make a world of difference.

During this small pause, students should ask themselves a simple question: is this something I’d be comfortable with my friends, family, or a future employer seeing?

10. Review and update the guidelines regularly

Social media content, techniques, platforms, and trends are constantly evolving—and so should your college and university guidelines.

Higher ed institutions should make it a point to review their social media policies and guidelines.

This ensures they remain relevant and effective.

If possible, it’s a good idea to involve the student body to ensure their opinions and input are factored into the decision-making process.

Nurturing a positive online community

Well-designed social media guidelines aren't just about rules.

They're about educating and empowering students, and protecting the integrity of the institution’s brand.

You can help transform online spaces into positive extensions of campus life and community and foster a culture of respect and safety, shifting focus from punishment to education and empowerment.

What are you doing to maintain a positive social media presence and guide students respectfully?

Share your best tips with us!