Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
Personal social media accounts do not exempt teachers, school personnel from professional standards — DepEd
Philippines
National
Personal social media accounts do not exempt teachers, school personnel from professional standards — DepEd
Personal social media accounts do not exempt teachers, school personnel from professional standards — DepEd
By Jel Santos
Published Aug 13, 2026 12:50 pm
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Updated Aug 13, 2026 01:34 pm
At A Glance
- * DepEd reminded teachers and school personnel that professional and ethical standards still apply when they use personal social media accounts.
- * The agency issued the reminder after receiving reports of posts that may not be consistent with its standards of professionalism.
- * Teachers were told to exercise particular care when posting content involving learners, classroom activities, or school premises.
(MB FILE PHOTO)
Using personal social media accounts does not exempt teachers and other school personnel from professional and ethical standards, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminded its personnel.
This came after the agency received reports of posts that may not be consistent with DepEd’s standards of professionalism.
In a memorandum dated Aug. 11, DepEd Undersecretary Fatima Lipp Panontongan, who also serves as Chief of Staff of the Office of the Secretary, reminded DepEd personnel to exercise professionalism, prudence, and sound judgment online.
“This Office has received reports of social media posts involving teachers and other school personnel that may not be consistent with the standards of professionalism expected of DepEd personnel,” Panontongan stated.
“These reports highlight the need to exercise appropriate judgment and responsibility in the use of social media, particularly where online activities involve learners, classroom activities, school premises, or otherwise arise from the performance of official functions,” she added.
DepEd stressed that professional obligations continue to apply even when personnel post through their personal accounts.
“The use of personal social media accounts does not, by itself, dispense with the professional and ethical standards applicable to DepEd personnel, particularly where the content is connected with the performance of their official functions, identifies or represents them as DepEd personnel, or involves learners, school activities, or school premises,” Panontongan said.
As such, teachers and other personnel who directly interact with learners were told to exercise particular care when creating or publishing social media content involving students or classroom activities.
The education department pointed out that teachers occupy positions of trust and exercise authority and influence over learners.
“Thus, they are expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and to exercise sound professional judgment where content features learners under their supervision or makes use of classroom activities or school premises,” said Panontongan.
The agency likewise reminded personnel to exercise caution when sharing posts or other content and to remain mindful of DepEd’s reputation and honor.
DepEd cited Order No. 049, series of 2022, which contains provisions on the responsible use of social media, and Order No. 006, series of 2026, which applies learner-protection measures in physical and virtual settings.
The latter also requires safeguards against the unauthorized use, access, or disclosure of learners’ personally identifiable information, including through social media.