Digital Demons Code of Conduct

During the Digital Demons – Playing by the Rules project, Student Action Teams developed a questionnaire, surveyed their school community and analysed the data collected and its potential implications. Students then collaborated to develop and present the ‘Playing by the Rules’ Code of Conduct to Demons players at the MCG.

The Digital Demons social media Code of Conduct developed by the Student Action Teams is below. Schools are welcome to adapt this Code of Conduct to suit their students and community.

The Code of Conduct

Social media is a way of interacting with people through the use of technology.

Many people connect through social media websites. These sites allow you to plan events with others and also connect through the internet.  You are also able to see what people have been doing via status updates or tweets.

Many social media tools have privacy settings, however these are not always used appropriately and can allow others who do not know you personally to view your personal life.

Social media also allows people to target others while hiding behind a screen; most things that are said online are not expressed in ways one would use when speaking face to face, and can often be misinterpreted.

The purpose of this code of conduct is to provide players with a guide to the appropriate use of social media.

At Melbourne Football Club, we value:

• our fans and the use of social media to promote the club
• honesty and abiding by the club rules on and off line
• leadership, teamwork and loyalty
• our community and striving to act in a respectful way.

Every player has the right to:

• express his opinion, keeping in mind that online posts can stay online forever
• privacy, keeping his personal and professional lives separate and being able to draw a line between both
• support from his teammates, on the field and online
• stay safe online and not have to deal with negative and/or offensive comments or retaliations.

We see appropriate use of social media to include, but not be limited to:

• showing tolerance and acceptance of other people’s opinions and choices
• recognising that online actions have consequences, both on and offline
• treating others equally and fairly
• following the club rules both online and offline
• showing integrity towards the club, teammates, self and community
• presenting self and club in a positive way
• not being a bystander, and supporting victims of harassment.

All players have the responsibility to:

• follow the club ethos of ‘see something, do something’ when they see inappropriate behaviour online by:
  • responding positively at the time
  • reporting incidents to the club, and/or site administrators
• avoid retaliating to negative comments made online, whether directed at the player, or a teammate
• own up, apologise for and take the consequences if they have done something wrong
• avoid becoming involved in anything illegal, or inappropriate, online that may affect their personal and professional lives or that of their teammates
• promote positive social media use when using sites such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace etc….
• be careful about what they say online, and always remain aware of their position as role models in the community both on the field and online
• not be complacent -adjust privacy settings and not share their personal information or that of a teammate online
• take responsibility for what they post online and represent the club positively
• show consideration towards other people’s feelings when posting online
• stay loyal to their teammates and the club when communicating online.