The purpose of this policy statement is to:

• ensure the safety and wellbeing of children is paramount when adults, young people or children are using the internet, social media or mobile devices
• provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to online safety
• ensure that, as an organisation, we operate in line with our values and within the law in terms of how we use online devices.

The policy statement applies to all staff, volunteers, children and young people and anyone involved in BDSFA activities.

We believe that:

• children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind
• children should be able to use the internet for education and personal development, but safeguards need to be in place to ensure they are kept safe at all times.

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 and young people safe online
• all children have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
• working in partnership with children, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare and in helping young people to be responsible in their approach to online safety.

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

• providing direction to staff and volunteers on how to behave online through our code of conduct
• supporting and encouraging children and adults to use the internet, social media and mobile phones in a way that keeps them safe and shows respect for others
• supporting and encouraging parents and carers to do what they can to keep their children safe online
• responding appropriately to any incidents of inappropriate online behaviour, whether by an adult or a child/young person
• reviewing and updating the security of our information systems regularly
• ensuring personal information about the adults and children who are involved in our organisation is held securely and shared only as appropriate
• ensuring that images of children and adults are used only after their written permission has been obtained, and only for the purpose for which consent has been given
• providing supervision, support and training for staff and volunteers about online safety
• examining and risk assessing any social media platforms and new technologies before they are used within the organisation.

Related Policies and Procedures

This policy statement should be read alongside our organisational policies and procedures, including:

• Child Welfare Policy
• Anti-bullying policy and procedures
• Codes of Conduct

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.

Contact:

Child welfare officer for BDSFA

Name: D. Moore

Email: dmoore50@hotmail.co.uk

NSPCC Helpline 

0808 800 5000

Last reviewed: August 2023