Phineas & Ferb's Social Media Policy

Are we over-complicating our social media policies? 

We've got wikis and tips and more walking us through the creation of this document. Yet I just watched Phineas and Ferb nail the essence of a good social media policy. You should watch their Cyberspace Rules of the Road (embedded above).

Child's Play?
No, it's not as simple as the Disney Public Service Announcement (PSA). The policy needs to be included in the employment manual. As a result they need to mesh with existing human resources policy. And since there are legal implications, the legal team better walk through it and make sure the company is not liable.

But this video is also a reminder to not over think it. I tell people that, at its core, a social media policy is "if you can say it to your competitor and your Mom. it's probably ok to post." No, it's not that simple either. It is a good starting point.

We need to make sure social media policies don't simply tell employees what they can't do. Or what are the odds employees will use it at all? If that's your goal? IT can simply block the Internet. And once again, no, it's not that simple either.

Related: Common Sense Media worked with Disney on the PSA and has a great site for parents and their kids around a variety of online topics. And of course there's a healthy YouTube Channel to boot. The more accessible content might be helpful for training inspiration. Just pull the cartoon references.

Comments

[Mike Boehmer]

Awesome, Kevin! Sometimes, it pays to just keep things simple. I've been reading so many social media policies lately my brain hurts! It's definitely helpful to work with Legal, HR and IT as you craft a policy that allows your organization to tap the power of social media marketing, yet spells out actions that will help you prevent risk or damage.

[Avi H]

I agree wholeheartedly. I also believe the organisation has to be clear as to the role the employee will be playing in the scheme of things - whether they will be very active, very visible and personally involved in the online community, or whether they are more indirect influencers.