Code of conduct
eTwinning is the largest network for schools in Europe. It’s your community – every member makes eTwinning what it is. Here are a few ground rules to keep eTwinning safe and fun for everyone.
Read the rules and discuss them in the forum.
These are the rules all eTwinners must adhere to:
1. Misuse of the internal message system
Refrain from sending too many messages to teachers with whom you are not working. Before contacting a user: check their profile; check if they are available for projects; make sure your message is relevant. Do not send the exact same message to more eTwinners.
2. Use of eTwinning for commercial purposes
It’s strictly prohibited to use the platform for commercial purposes. Any company, initiative, event or software with a commercial intent will be removed, as will their access to the platform itself.
3. Spam in forums
The eTwinning Live partner forums generate thousands of messages. Make sure that your message considers the subject of the thread. Before publishing a new post, check to see if there are other relevant messages and reply to them. Help us keep the forums relevant to improve collaboration!
4. Irrelevant or inappropriate comments on people’s posts
When posting a comment on somebody else’s profile, make sure it is relevant to the user. Comments must be for individuals and related to the user’s post. Do not write the same comment to more users.
5. Random contact requests and project invitations
Avoid asking eTwinners to be part of your contacts or to join your project without any previous communication. Make sure you have a reasonable and manageable number of contacts in your list. Do you want to keep track of someone’s updates? Follow them instead.
6. Events invitation
Avoid inviting your contacts to events you are organising, unless you are certain that these colleagues can participate. Random invitation to events organised in your school will be considered spam.
7. Direct threats, bullying and harassment
eTwinning does not tolerate bullying or harassment. If you are victim of cyberbullying or someone is threatening you, please report the message or contact your National Support Service. Be aware that anyone caught bullying or harassing other members of the platform may be permanently banned from eTwinning.
8. Intellectual property
Ensure that the content you upload to the platform does not infringe any copyright. Before sharing pictures, videos, documents or any other resources, please make sure you have the right to do so. The eTwinning platform cannot host videos - you will need to upload your video to YouTube, DailyMotion or Vimeo first and then paste the link in eTwinning. Don’t forget to have a look at their copyright policies too.
9. Impersonation
You cannot impersonate other individuals or groups/organizations which you do not represent in a manner that is intended to or does mislead, confuse, or deceive others.
10. Students (minors)
eTwinning takes students’ privacy and safety seriously. Avoid posting pictures of pupils on your eTwinning Live profile, TwinSpace, Groups, etc. In case you do, make sure you have parents’ consent or that pupils are not recognisable.
11. Private information and Sensitive data
Be thoughtful about content you post that relates to others. You should not share your or other eTwinners' private information - such as personal phone numbers and addresses, credit card details or other private information - or intimate pictures and videos. Always think before you post!