Social Media Policy

To ensure our online spaces remain respectful, inclusive, and safe for everyone, we have implemented the following guidelines for behaviour on our social media platforms (including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Threads, and YouTube). 

1. Respectful Communication 

All comments and interactions must be respectful, constructive, and appropriate. The following are strictly prohibited: 

• Negative, rude, or disrespectful comments.
• Personal attacks or insults toward individuals or groups.
• Harassment or inflammatory language.
• Discriminatory or offensive remarks based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status. 

2. Zero Tolerance for Harmful Language 

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for the use of abusive, threatening, or hateful language. 

If certain flagged words or slurs are used in a post or comment, the user will be automatically blocked from our pages and accounts, without warning. 

This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Hate speech
• Racial or ethnic slurs
• Explicit or vulgar language
• Threats or calls to violence 

We use content monitoring tools and manual moderation to enforce this policy consistently. 

3. No Defamatory or Damaging Content 

Posting content that could damage the reputation of individuals, groups, or an organisation is not allowed. This includes: 

• Criticising Somerset Wildlife Trust staff or others in a public or harmful way.
• Using our platforms to vent personal grievances. 

Don’t share private info, spread false claims, or try to stir up conflict. We're all here to learn and support each other.  

4. Mind Your Tone 

Tone matters. Avoid sarcasm, passive-aggressive remarks, or aggressive humour that may be misunderstood or cause harm. 

5. Report, Don’t Engage 

If you see a comment or post that violates this policy, do not respond. Instead, please send us a message to make us aware of the comment. You can also report individual comments yourself. This will help keep our online communities safe. 

6. Enforcement & Consequences 

Violating this policy will result in: 

• Comments being deleted
• Users being blocked or banned from our pages
• Users being reported to Facebook
• Formal action, for example reported to relevant authorities 

These measures are in place to protect the integrity of our online community. 

7. Applies to Everyone 

This policy applies to: 

• Employees
• Volunteers
• Contractors
• Visitors to our pages
• Anyone engaging with our online presence

Last updated: July 2025