Student Use of Social Media

Guidelines for the Student Use of Social Media and Electronic Communication in Practice Education Settings 

Overview 

The following guidelines provide a general overview of the professional responsibilities of Faculty of Health Professions students during practice education experiences. Although these guidelines are specific to social media and electronic communication, the general guidance applies to all forms of communication about practice education experiences, whether electronic or not. 

In Nova Scotia, the collection, use, disclosure, retention, disposal and destruction of personal health information is governed by the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA). This Act is foundational for all health professionals and it is a requirement for all Faculty of Health Professions students to read and understand the Act.  

These guidelines are intended to complement the PHIA as well as the Dalhousie Student Code of Conduct, Dalhousie’s Social Media Guidelines, applicable School/College directives for professional behaviour while on placement and individual practice education employer policies on privacy, harassment, media relations and social media use. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with applicable legislation, rules, regulations and guidelines. Failure to do so will not be an acceptable excuse for inappropriate behaviour during practice education experiences. Students must be aware that behaviour contrary to the requirements of those documents could lead to disciplinary action by Dalhousie, termination and failure of your placement or even legal action (in the case of breaching health information legislation). 

For more information, you can download the School of Social Work Social Media Policy [121 KB] or the Faculty of Health Guidelines for the Student Use of Social Media. [246 KB]