A UK social worker has been let go for having made unflattering remarks about “nightmare parents” on Facebook.

Facebook faux pas

North East Lincolnshire Council had been employing Joanne Thomas through a social work agency when she posted complaints about “nightmare parents and demonic children” and was swiftly fired.

The worker had allegedly referred to families on a frequent basis as “drunks and druggies” and going so far as to name locations of particular cases.

According to a spokesperson for the council, “We understand how upsetting seeing comments like this can be…be assured that we’ve acted swiftly to deal with it.”

Social justice

The backlash of Joanne Thomas’ postings has spoken volumes as to acceptable behaviour when it comes to social media spaces and norms.

A Council spokesperson concluded “As this is likely to be subject to an investigation by the agency concerned, we can’t comment any further at this point.”

Venting publicly about one’s personal experience is very much the primary use for many Facebook users, but when concerning one’s own job and the private life of others, a bit of caution goes a long way.

Do you think the social worker deserved to be fired? Have you had a similar experience? Let us know in the comments below.