Malacañang on Thursday reminded public school teachers to uphold professionalism and exercise proper judgment when using social media to avoid compromising the safety and privacy of learners.

The reminder came after the Department of Education (DepEd) took note of reported behavior by school personnel, including teachers, that was deemed inconsistent with professional standards.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said some teachers have been featuring their students in social media posts for personal purposes.

Such practice, Castro said, violates DepEd’s ethical standards and policies.

“Kaugnay nito, nagpaalala ang DepEd sa lahat ng mga pampublikong guro na iwasan ang ganitong mga practice at panatilihin ang propesyonalismo sa trabaho sa loob man o labas ng apat na sulok ng paaralan (In this regard, DepEd reminded public school teachers to refrain from such practices and to maintain professionalism in their work, whether inside or outside the four walls of the school),” Castro said.

“Nagpapaalala rin ang DepEd sa mga guro na panindigan ang kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin at patuloy na maging mabuting huwaran sa kanilang mga mag-aaral (DepEd also reminded teachers to uphold their sworn duties and continue to serve as good role models for their learners),” she added.

Castro stressed that teachers serve as second parents to learners, while schools serve as their second home.

“Ang mabuting asal ay natututunan sa tahanan at higit na nahuhubog sa paaralan (Good behavior is learned at home and further developed in school),” she said.

In a memorandum issued on Monday, DepEd reminded all school personnel of the agency’s existing policies on the responsible use of social media, whether undertaken in their personal capacity or in connection with their official duties.

The memorandum emphasized the importance of treating learners “with the highest degree of professionalism, skill, and excellence.”

All school personnel were also directed to desist from acts that “may compromise their integrity as government employees or the honor of DepEd.”

“Accordingly, all DepEd personnel are expected to exercise professionalism, prudence, and sound judgment in their online activities,” the memorandum read.

“For teachers and other personnel who directly interact with learners, particular care must be exercised when creating or publishing social media content involving learners or classroom activities,” it added. (PNA)