Q. Our youth centre has a new policy that staff should not "friend" members on Facebook or any other social networking sites. However, an exception has been made for parents whose children attend the centre because they probably know some of the young people outside work. Does this make sense?
Tracie Trimmer-Platman: I can't see any professional reason why staff should maintain online, personal relationships with members. There are things about staff that members do not need to know and vice versa. A youth worker's relationship with young people must be strictly professional - they are not friends.
If there is a need for a social media connection then create a central page - one where everyone can contribute. This should be monitored and managed as a professional tool.
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