Social Media Policy

Social Media Policy and ‘House Rules’

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council recognises the important role social media plays in helping us communicate with residents, encourage engagement and promote open communication. We are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. By using our social media channels, you agree to follow the ‘House Rules’ outlined below.

Acceptable Use of Social Media by Public

Most people use social media respectfully. However, if posts or messages break our House Rules, the Council may take action. The below behaviour is not acceptable (this list is not exhaustive):

• Using abusive, offensive, defamatory, discriminatory, threatening, harassing, bullying, racist, sexist or inappropriate language intended or perceived to cause distress or harm.
• Inciting hatred based on race, religion, gender, nationality, sexuality or any other personal characteristic.
• Encouraging others to break the law.
• Sharing inappropriate images or videos.
• Targeting named members of staff with direct, inappropriate criticism.
• Sharing confidential information or personal details (such as private addresses, phone numbers or email addresses).
• Posting large numbers of overly long messages that could be considered spam.
• Posting repetitive, negative comments intended to provoke or disrupt.
• Impersonating another person or organisation.
• Posting off-topic comments or promoting products or services.
• Breaking the terms of use of the social media platform.

The Council may update these House Rules at any time.

How We Will Deal with Unacceptable Behaviour

The Council moderates comments on its corporate social media channels and will remove posts that break the House Rules. If unacceptable behaviour occurs, we will take the following steps:

1. First step: We will hide or delete posts that break the rules. The author will receive a private message with a link to the Council’s Social Media and Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure.
2. If behaviour continues: We may block the user from interacting with our social media channels.
3. Reporting: Any decision to block a user will be reported to the Council’s Audit Committee.
4. Further action: If behaviour could be considered abusive, harassing or criminal, we may report it to the social media platform and/or the police.
5. Legal action: The Council reserves the right to take legal action in cases of libellous or defamatory posts or messages.

Contact Us

We reserve the right to modify or change these conditions at any time.

If you have a query, please email: [email protected]