The Lake District Ski Club (LDSC) strives to ensure that all children (anyone under 18) and adults at risk are safeguarded from abuse and have an enjoyable Snowsport experience. This document sets out how LDSC uses the internet and social media, and the procedures for doing so. It also outlines expectations for online behaviour and communication with children.

The principles in this policy apply no matter which current or future technology is used.

The purpose of this policy is to:

-Protect children involved with our organisation and who make use of technology (such as mobile phones, tablets, games consoles and the internet).

-Provide staff, coaches and volunteers with policy and procedure information regarding online safety and inform them how to respond to incidents.

-Ensure our organisation operates within the law regarding how we behave online.

This policy applies to all staff, coaches, volunteers, players, parents/carers and any other individuals associated with LDSC.

We recognise that:

-The online world provides everyone with many opportunities; however, it can also present risks and challenges.

-We have a duty to ensure that all children and adults involved in our organisation are protected from potential harm online.

-We have a responsibility to help keep children safe online, whether or not they are using LDSC’s network and devices.

-All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

-Working in partnership with children, their parents, carers, and other organisations is essential in helping them to be responsible in their approach to online safety.

We will seek to keep children safe by

-Understanding the safety aspects, including what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour for volunteers, and children, when using website, social media, apps and other forms of digital communication.

-Being aware that it doesn’t matter what device is being used for digital interaction, but that the same safety aspects apply whether it is a computer, mobile phone, or game console.

-When using social media or video conferencing platforms (including live streaming), ensure that we adhere to relevant legislation and good practice.

-Ensuring the person managing our organisation’s online presence is suitably trained and experienced.

-Providing staff with policy and procedure information regarding online safety and inform them of how to respond to incidents.

Managing our online presence

Our online presence through our website or social media platforms will adhere to the following guidelines:

-All social media accounts will be password-protected, and at least two members of staff and/or volunteers will have access to each account and password.

-Social media accounts will be monitored by a designated person, who will have been appointed by the committee.

-The designated person will not accept “friend” or “follow” requests from any club member known or suspected to be 12 years or younger.

-The designated person managing our online presence will seek advice from our Club Welfare Officer and Snowsport England to advise on safeguarding requirements as required. The designated person (administrator) has the responsibility to delete any posts thought inappropriate. Their decision is final.

-Account, page and event settings will be set to 'private' so that only those invited can see their content.

-Club personnel and members can use social media to communicate with club members and other interested parties as a whole but should not use them to send personal messages to children.

-Identifying details such as a child's home address, school details, telephone  number or email will not be posted on social media platforms.

-Any posts or correspondence will be for a professional purpose.

-We'll make sure children are aware of who manages our social media accounts and who to contact if they have any concerns about the running of the account.

-Parents will be asked to give their consent for us to communicate with their children (>12yrs) through social media, via video conferencing platforms or by any other means of communication.

-Parents will need to give consent for photographs or videos of their child to be posted on social media.

-All of our accounts and email addresses will be appropriate, fit for purpose and only used for club-specific activities.

What we expect of volunteers

-They should be aware of this policy and behave in accordance with it.

-They should seek the advice from our Club Welfare Officer and Snowsport England if they have any concerns about the use of the internet or social media.

-Any messages they wish to send out to children must be sent through the designated person responsible for the organisation's online presence.

-They must not 'friend' or 'follow' children from personal accounts on social-media and maintain the same professional boundaries online as they would in person when using organisation accounts.

-They must make sure any content posted is accurate and appropriate.

-They must not communicate with children via personal accounts or private messages.

-They must copy in parents or at least one other volunteer to any communications sent to children.

-They must avoid communication with children beyond dedicated event or activity timings, unless it is necessary for professional purposes (i.e. emergencies, whilst on a trip, etc.) and contacting the parents is not possible.

-They must sign off any communication in a professional manner, avoiding the use of emojis or symbols such as kisses (“X’s”).

-They will respond to any concerns reported through social media in the same way as a face-to -face disclosure, in accordance with our safeguarding policy.

-They must not engage in sexting, or send pictures or messages that are abusive, obscene, inappropriate, indecent, or menacing to anyone.

Using mobile phones or other devices to communicate

When using mobile phone or other devices to communicate, we will take the following precautions to help keep children safe:

-Staff, coaches, and volunteers will communicate through parents directly or copy them into all messages to children.

-Where it is necessary to contact children directly, and it is not possible to copy for the parents into the message, we will seek parental consent to do this or include a second practitioner.

Personal contact

If a child tries to engage a volunteer in a conversation which is not of a professional manner (for example, their personal life), the volunteer will:

-Gently inform the child that they cannot discuss personal matters and end the conversation.

-If the conversation raises safeguarding concerns, notify the club welfare officer as soon as possible and inform the child that you are going to try and get someone to help them. Do not promise confidentiality and keep a record (screenshot) of the conversation in case messages are later deleted.

Using mobile phones/devices during activities