24th November 2:00pm-3:00pm
In the 21st Century it can be hard protecting one’s privacy online, especially when working as a Social Worker with such a wide range of service users from all ages and backgrounds. In September 2022, guidelines were released for journalists reporting on the work of Social Workers (BASW, 2022), to provide more protection for those in the profession, as a result of two Social workers being harassed following a published article.
On the other side of the coin however, Social Workers are being encouraged to utilise digital media to engage with their service users and open routes to access the services they need. During the pandemic, many services and engagements took to online spaces, social media and alternate access methods (The Conversation, 2021).
So how does a Social Worker balance their privacy and security online while providing accessible and suitable services for all service users and communities? And how can they work to bridge the gap in digital skills and internet access, to ensure no service user is disadvantaged by these new systems?
In this session, we will explore the topics from both sides, discussing professional responsibilities to protect a digital footprint, and how professionals address the barriers, blockers and concerns for social service users.
https://www.basw.co.uk/media/news/2022/sep/guidelines-media-reporting-social-workers-launched https://theconversation.com/the-pandemic-transformed-how-social-work-was-delivered-and-these-changes-could-be-here-to-stay-165993