Councillors in Bexley are to be given “golden rules” for navigating the world of social media.

It comes following at least two complaints in the last year over the language of councillors on Twitter – neither of which have been upheld.

To avoid complaints about conduct on Twitter and Facebook, councillors are going to be given a list of dos and don’ts when posting online.

Elected officials will be told to “remember irony and humour can be misinterpreted” when a new social media strategy is signed off next week.

“Councillors are personally responsible for any legal implications arising from their use of social media,” a new report explains.

“However there is a risk of reputational damage to the Council arising from any associated publicity and this policy will ensure that Councillors are aware of their legal obligations”.

The new code of conduct reads: “Whenever you post or engage in social media, you are likely to be regarded as acting in your capacity as a Councillor and must therefore comply with the Members’ Code of Conduct in what you publish and what you allow others to publish.”

According to the do’s and don’ts, councillors are being warned against using social media during council meetings at the risk of looking disinterested to proceedings.

Other so-called golden rules councillors will need to follow include “maintaining professional boundaries” and do not “use social media in any way to attack, insult, abuse, defame or otherwise make negative comments about staff, service users, or friends and family”.

One rule says: “Show respect and consideration for others. Comments, including those presenting a differing opinion, are a distinct part of social media and it is okay to agree to disagree.”

Another “don’t” includes to not “browse, download, upload or distribute any material that could be considered inappropriate, offensive, defamatory, illegal or discriminatory.”

Councillors are also to be told not to “blog or post on social media in haste, particularly in circumstances where your judgement might be impaired; for example if you are tired or have consumed alcohol.”