Child Life Council Guidelines for Online Networking
Introduction
The growing popularity of social media technologies is changing the way that we engage with
one another online. With a wide array of tools available, an increasing number of child life
professionals are joining the discussion, participating in social networks, sharing videos and
photos, creating blogs, and more. In addition to their personal applications, these social media
tools offer unique opportunities to enrich your professional experience, providing new ways to
connect with, learn from, and support your colleagues. Social media empowers each of us as
communicators in a global online community.
As with any community, there are guidelines—both written and unwritten—governing behavior
in these networks. Many of the guidelines are universal in nature, but there are additional
considerations for individuals who work with children in health care and other settings. As
members of a professional community bound by codes of conduct outlined in the Child Life
Code of Ethical Responsibility, child life professionals already have a strong set of principles to
guide them in their practice. The CLC Web and Online Networking Committee recommends
the following online networking guidelines 1 specifically for the child life community. Where
applicable, each guideline references one or more relevant principles from the Code of Ethical
Responsibility, which is included in its entirety on the final page of this document.
CLC Guidelines for Online Networking
Communicate with sensitivity. As members of a profession that honors different cultures,
experiences, and points of view, child life specialists are experts at diplomacy. It’s okay to
disagree with others, but do so respectfully, recognizing that different perspectives can add
richness to the dialogue. Don’t use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or other offensive
language, and in general, avoid topics that could prove objectionable or inflammatory, such as
politics or religion. Communicate clearly, and respect the intelligence of your readers.
(Principle 9)
Be mindful of your audience. In online social networks, sometimes it can be difficult to draw
the line between personal and professional life. Many social media sites offer an informal
networking environment, but don’t forget who may be in your audience; not just friends, but
professional colleagues, supervisors, prospective employers, and even the children and
families you have served as a professional. Establish clear professional boundaries about who
you connect with in which environments, and be judicious in disclosing personal details.
(Principle 10)
1
These guidelines have been adapted from the following documents: IBM Social Computing Guidelines; Intel Social Media
Guidelines; and Sun Microsystems Social Media Policy.
Do not “friend” patients. Refer to the CLC Guidelines for Online Networking or your hospital
guidelines to explain to patients that social networking sites are not the appropriate place to
continue a therapeutic relationship. It is also inappropriate to post on patients’ care pages,
blogs, or personal web pages. (Principles 4 & 10)
Let people know who you are. Transparency and authenticity are key in earning respect and
trust in online networking. Include your name, place of employment, and, when relevant, your
current position or role within the organization. Write in the first person, and let your unique
voice and personality shine through. Be sure to make it clear that you are speaking for yourself
and not on behalf of your organization or the Child Life Council. (Principles 2, 8 & 9)
Add value. Provide worthwhile information and perspective that adds value to the
conversation. (Principles 5 & 9)
Write about what you know. Share your thoughts and respond to questions in areas where
you feel you have expertise, and include any information about your background that may be
relevant. When voicing your opinions on a topic in which you have no particular training or
experience, be sure to disclose these limitations. All information shared through online
networks should be for educational purposes only; make it clear that your comments do not
constitute professional medical advice. (Principle 8)
Admit to your mistakes. Be upfront with your mistakes and be quick to correct them, offering
apologies where appropriate. If you made a comment or posted something inaccurate in a
blog, you may choose to modify an earlier post—just make it clear that you have done so.
(Principle 2)
Respect copyright rules. Before you post any intellectual property, make sure you are not
violating fair-use or other applicable sections of copyright law. When you do make a reference,
include proper credit and citation information, linking back to the source where feasible.
(Principles 9 & 13)
Protect the rights of others. Respect privacy and safeguard confidential and proprietary
information: HIPAA regulations apply across the board. Don't post a colleague’s name, image
or other identifying details without first obtaining permission. When posting about a particular
patient or situation at work, make absolutely certain not to include any details, regardless of
how vague, that could identify the individuals involved. (Principle 4)
Stop. Think. Then Post. Before you publish anything to a networking site, take a moment to
reflect before you click “send.” Have you reviewed your submission for grammar and spelling?
Are you adhering to the guidelines outlined above? If you are unsure, check with a colleague
or a supervisor for a second opinion. Ultimately, what you publish on an online network is
yours—as is the responsibility. (Principle 2)
Remember your day job. Even when you are using online networking for work-related
information gathering and discussion, be sure that it doesn’t keep you from other work
commitments. Consult your supervisor if you are uncertain about the appropriateness of
networking online during work hours. (Principle 9)
Child Life Council Code of Ethical Responsibility
Principle 1 -- Individuals shall hold paramount the welfare of the children and families whom they
serve.
Principle 2 -- Individuals shall strive to maintain objectivity, integrity and competence in fulfilling the
mission, vision, values and operating principles of their profession.
Principle 3 -- Individuals shall have an obligation to serve children and families, regardless of race,
gender, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, values, national origin or disability.
Principle 4 -- Individuals shall respect the privacy of children and families and shall maintain
confidentiality of information concerning the children and their families with whom they work. Individuals
shall ensure that the transmission of verbal and written communication is within the standards and
requirements of the employer and local governing regulations. For professionals working in private
practice, all written documentation must be stored in a locked and secure drawer or cabinet.
Principle 5 -- Individuals shall promote the effectiveness of the child life profession by continuous
efforts to improve professional services and practices provided in the diverse settings in which they
work and in the community at large.
Principle 6 -- Individuals shall continually seek knowledge and skills that will update and enhance their
understanding of all relevant issues affecting the children and families they serve.
Principle 7 -- Individuals engaged in study and research shall be guided by the conventions of
scholarly inquiry and shall recognize their responsibility for ethical practice in research.
Principle 8 -- Individuals have an obligation to engage only in those areas in which they are qualified
and not to represent themselves otherwise, but to make appropriate referrals with due regard for the
professional competencies of other members of the health team or of the community within which they
work.
Principle 9 -- Individuals shall act with respect for the duties, competencies and needs of their
professional colleagues and shall maintain the utmost integrity in all interactions with the institutions or
organizations that employ them.
Principle 10 -- Individuals shall use integrity to assess and amend any personal relationships or
situations that may interfere with their professional effectiveness, objectivity or otherwise negatively
impact the children and families they serve. A minimum of two years following the conclusion of a
professional role shall lapse before any personal relationship is permitted to develop with children or
the members of families they serve.
Principle 11 -- Individuals shall recognize that financial gain should never take precedence over the
delivery of services.
Principle 12 -- Individuals who are responsible for the supervision and training of others (i.e., staff,
students, volunteers) shall assume responsibility for teaching ethical professional values and providing
optimal learning experiences.
Principle 13 -- Individuals shall refrain from illegal conduct in their professional practice of child life.