Policy Statement:
Ipswich Skating Club is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our members, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults, when engaging with online platforms and social media. We acknowledge that the use of the internet and social media can offer many benefits, including enhancing communication, promoting the club, and sharing achievements, but we also recognise the potential risks associated with online activities.
This policy aims to provide clear guidelines for all members, coaches, staff, and volunteers on how to use the internet and social media safely and responsibly while ensuring the protection of our members and the club’s reputation.
1. General Principles
Ipswich Skating Club expects all members, coaches, and volunteers to:
- Act respectfully and responsibly when engaging in online activities, ensuring their actions promote a positive and inclusive environment both online and offline.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries in all online interactions, particularly when communicating with minors and vulnerable individuals.
- Comply with all relevant laws and regulations concerning online activity, including data protection laws and the protection of personal information.
- Promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults by ensuring that all online content and interactions are appropriate, respectful, and do not place individuals at risk.
2. Social Media Guidelines
Ipswich Skating Club has an official presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others. To ensure the safe and effective use of these platforms, we expect the following:
Club Social Media Accounts:
- Content Creation and Posting:
Only authorised individuals (e.g., Club Chair or designated committee members and volunteers) are allowed to post content on the club’s official social media accounts. Posts should reflect the positive values of the club, including inclusivity, respect, and sportsmanship. - Photos and Videos of Members:
The club will seek explicit parental or guardian consent before posting images or videos of children, young people, or vulnerable adults on social media. Consent forms should be completed at the start of each season or whenever a new member joins. - Privacy Settings:
All official club accounts will be set to public or semi-public settings to ensure transparency and accessibility. The club will monitor comments and messages for appropriateness and relevance.
Personal Social Media Accounts:
- Respectful Behavior:
Club members (both adults and minors) should be mindful of the content they post on their personal social media accounts. Any inappropriate, discriminatory, or harmful content could reflect poorly on the individual and the club as a whole. - Boundaries and Relationships:
Coaches, staff, and volunteers are advised to maintain professional boundaries and avoid establishing personal social media connections with minors under their supervision. Direct messaging and social media interactions should be conducted in a transparent, public manner whenever possible. - Sharing Club-Related Content:
When sharing or posting content related to Ipswich Skating Club, members should ensure that the content aligns with the club’s values. Posts should be respectful of other members and should not be used for promoting personal agendas or opinions.
3. Communication Guidelines
Communication with Young People and Vulnerable Adults:
- Professional Communication:
All communication between coaches, staff, volunteers, and young people (under 18 years old) should be conducted in a professional manner, using official channels where possible (e.g., email, team communication platforms). Texting or private social media messaging should be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary for the child’s welfare and safety. - Group Communications:
Communication with children and young people should take place in group chats (where other adults can monitor) rather than one-on-one private messages. This ensures transparency and protects both the child and the coach or volunteer. - Appropriate Content:
All communication should be relevant to club activities and should not include inappropriate language, images, or links. Any personal information, including contact details, should be kept private.
Social Media Interaction:
- Positive Engagement:
Comments and messages on social media platforms should remain supportive, respectful, and positive. Abusive, offensive, or inappropriate comments will not be tolerated. - Reporting Concerns:
If any member, parent, or guardian becomes aware of inappropriate content, abusive behavior, or a safeguarding concern related to social media or online activity, they should immediately report it to the club’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) or another relevant club official.
4. Online Safety and Cyberbullying
Ipswich Skating Club is committed to ensuring that all members, particularly children and vulnerable adults, are safe from cyberbullying and online harm.
- Zero Tolerance for Cyberbullying:
Ipswich Skating Club has a zero-tolerance policy towards cyberbullying or any form of online harassment. Any incidents of cyberbullying will be taken seriously and dealt with according to the club’s anti-bullying policy. - Education and Awareness:
The club will provide ongoing training and resources for members, particularly young people, on how to stay safe online, recognise cyberbullying, and report harmful online behaviour. - Reporting Online Abuse:
Any member who feels they are a victim of online abuse, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour should report it immediately to the DSO or a trusted adult. The club will work with relevant authorities, including the police, if required.
5. Data Protection and Privacy
Ipswich Skating Club is committed to protecting the privacy of all members, especially minors, in line with relevant data protection legislation (e.g., the GDPR in the UK).
- Consent for Sharing Information:
The club will obtain explicit consent from parents or guardians before sharing personal information about children or vulnerable adults on social media or online platforms. This includes photos, videos, and any identifiable information. - Confidentiality:
Personal or confidential information about members, coaches, staff, or volunteers should never be shared online without prior consent. This includes any sensitive or medical information.
6. Dealing with Online Safety Issues
Ipswich Skating Club will take the following steps if an online safety issue arises:
- Immediate Action:
The club will take immediate steps to address any online safety concerns, including removing harmful content, reporting incidents to the relevant authorities (e.g., social media platforms, police, or safeguarding agencies), and offering support to those involved. - Investigation and Resolution:
The club will investigate all online safety concerns or complaints and take appropriate action, which may include removing members from online platforms or disciplinary action if necessary. - Ongoing Support:
Any member affected by online abuse, bullying, or harassment will be provided with appropriate support, including counseling services if necessary.
7. Review and Amendments
This Online Safety and Social Media Policy will be reviewed annually by the Ipswich Skating Club Committee to ensure that it remains up-to-date with current best practices and legal requirements. All members will be notified of any changes.
Contact Information:
If you have any concerns or questions regarding online safety, social media use, or any other related matters, please contact:
- Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Nicky Pemberton
- Email: npemberton@skateipswich.com
- Club Chair: Thomas Fell
- Email: tfell@skateipswich.com
This policy is designed to help ensure that all members, particularly young people, are able to engage with the internet and social media in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. By following these guidelines, Ipswich Skating Club aims to promote positive online interactions and protect everyone involved in the club from potential harm.