Church of England creates social media commandments for worshippers Rules include not breaching confidentiality and not over-sharing Guidelines based on 'common sense and good judgement' Many people have posted something on social media, only to regret it the next day. But embarrassing updates could soon be a thing of the past now that the Church of England has issued nine commandments to help guide people through the perils of social networks. The rules warn people not to publish anything they wouldn't want their mother to see, be aware that their posts could be permanent, and not to hide behind anonymous accounts. Rules on a different kind of tablet: The Church of England's Bath and Wells Diocese has issued commandments for social media The Diocese of Bath and Wells created the nine commandments for the modern day tablets to help people 'navigate the landscape of social media'. It said: 'All are based on principals of common sense and good judgement. Essentially, you should participate online in the same way as you would in any other public forums. Don't rush in Transient yet permanent You're an ambassador Don't hide Blurring of public/private life boundaries Safeguarding Stay within the legal framework Confidentiality Be mindful of your own security Your actions should be consistent with your work and Christian values and you take responsibility for the things you do, say or write. The rules address both Christians and Church of England workers. The first rule states 'don't rush in' and advises the user to question whether they would want 'God or their mother' reading their post. While it praises social media for its ability to allow people to communicate quickly, it warns that this can mean that in the rush to publish something, people can post something without thinking it through. It says: 'The immediacy is one of its benefits - we can respond quickly to questions, correct misunderstandings, give our perspective about a breaking story in the news media. 'Responding quickly doesn't mean doing so without due consideration. Ask yourself, is this my story to share? Would I want my mum to read this? Would I want God to read this? Would I want this on the front page of a newspaper?. The Diocese asks people to consider whether they would want their mother or God to see what post before publishing The third rule is that: 'You're an ambassador.' It says: 'like it or not, if you are ordained, lead in or are employed by the Church, others will see you in your public role as a representative of the Church.' The Archbishop of Canterbury and senior head of the Church of England will no doubt follow the rules The fourth rule is 'don't hide'. The diocese warns that 'anonymity on social media is frowned upon. 'It's also at odds with what we consider the main reason for using social media networks. How can anyone really connect with an alias? On any social media platform, if you choose a username or profile different to your real name, include brief personal details in the about section. The church warns its clergy and employees to use privacy settings safely in its fifth rule about being weary of 'blurring of public/private life boundaries'. It warns that there are risks associated with personal opinions being seen as public statements, a minister's private life being invaded and the difficulties of detaching from work. Consider setting up different accounts for ministry and personal use to help set definite boundaries. It also warns about 'safeguarding', reminding users that a private message is like meeting someone confidentially. The informality that social media encourages can mean that it might be harder to maintain a professional distance that is required when working with children, young people and the vulnerable. One of its lessons is about staying 'within the legal framework', which warns people that publishing some posts can mean committing an offence - such as defaming someone. It warns: 'If you wouldn't say something in a public meeting or to someone's face or write it in a newspaper or on headed paper - don't say it online.' The Church also warns people of the perils of 'breaching confidentiality' and its last rule is not to over share personal information.