Safeguarding in Karate

Sentenashi Karate Association

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Back to Policies

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MEDIA POLICY

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Safeguarding Children and the Social Media

 

When using social media sites care must be taken when allowing children to log on or post to the site. 

 

Always conduct yourself on the internet as you would face-to-face and be aware of what you say and how you say it. If you wouldn’t say or do something in the “real” world, then don’t do it online. 

 

Never provide personal details about young people or volunteers and always ensure you have parental permission to use any photos of young people. Only ever use the first names of young people on any photo or video caption and only share appropriate photos, the sort that you would be happy putting on a public notice board (a good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t be happy for your mum to see it, then don’t do it!). Remember that, potentially, anyone can view content on the internet.

 

Only set up pages for events, activities or groups for which you are responsible. Once a site has been set up it needs to be checked regularly to ensure that information changes when appropriate and that members are interested and come back. 

 

Please note that posts on social media sites are widely accessible and can easily be passed on; always be sure that any information or comments made are appropriate. Don’t use your personal social networking account to communicate directly, on a one-to-one basis with young people. 

 

Remember to adopt a common-sense approach to social networking. While social network profiles are easy to set up and use, it is important that you keep a professional distance online. Think carefully about how any communication might appear to a third party. Compared with a conversation in the real world, technology increases the potential for messages to be seen out of context, misinterpreted or forwarded to others. Once content is posted it is in the public domain and people can access it and share it with others. 

 

If a negative comment is made on a social networking site due to a member misunderstanding a message or because they are not aware of all the relevant details, it is then appropriate to take time to respond politely and clear up any misunderstanding. If a negative comment is made on the site because a member expresses their opinion, dislikes or disagrees with a post, the ideal is to let the comment stay visible and leave your other members to provide counter-opinions. 

 

Do not divulge any personal details that may enable anyone to locate a child. Use care in any imagery of children (particularly avoiding naming them).

 

Report concerns promptly about online abuse.

 

Facebook has a minimum age of 13 years for postings.

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Promoting child safety online

 

•  Target the right age groups and not accept any requests from those under the minimum age of 13, if      need be report it.

•  Do not divulge any personal details that may enable anyone to locate a child (eg email addresses,            schools etc)

•  Use care in any imagery including children (particularly avoiding naming them)

•  Remind all users to protect their own privacy and ensure they understand the risks in posting and            sharing content which might subsequently damage their reputation.

•  Ask all to "Think before they post", ensuring that content is appropriate to safeguarding policies and        appropriate for site readership.

•  Promote a culture of safety and responsible social networking and provide information to safety and      support organisations. Do be aware of data protection considerations for all users.

•  Be vigilant for fake profiles which seek to gain the trust of children and the vulnerable.

 

Reporting concerns

 

•  Report concerns promptly about possible online abuse to the Child Protection Officer

•  Report other concerns regarding inappropriate content or behaviour which potentially breach the              terms of the service to the service provider.

 

Working with service providers

 

Most children and young people use the internet positively, but sometimes behave in ways that may place themselves at risk. Some risks do not necessarily arise from the technology itself but result from offline behaviours that are extended into the online world, and vice versa. Potential risks can include (but are not limited to):

 

•  bullying by peer and people they consider friends

•  posting personal information that can identify and locate a child offline

•  sexual grooming, luring, exploitation and abuse contact with strangers

•  exposure to inappropriate and/or content

•  involvement in making or distribution illegal or inappropriate content

•  theft of personal information

•  exposure to racist or hate mail

•  encouragement of violent behaviour, such as "happy slapping"

•  glorifying activities such as drug taking or excessive drinking

•  leaving and running away from home as a result of contacts made online

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Use of Photographic Filming Equipment at Events

 

There is no intention to stop people photographing their children, club mates, or photography and video being used as an educational tool,  but this is in the context of appropriate safeguards being in place.

 

There is evidence that some people have used sporting events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of young and disabled sportspeople in vulnerable positions.

 

 It is advisable that all clubs be vigilant with any concerns to be reported to the Club Child Protection Officer.

 

Any parent who wishes to photograph their child must seek permission from the instructor or competition organiser.  Official photographers must be registered with the event organiser and wear identification.

 

Videoing as a coaching aid:

 

There is no intention to prevent club coaches and teachers using video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid. However, performers and their parents/carers should be aware that this is part of the coaching programme and care should be taken in the storing of such films.

 

The SKA also follows closely the guidance issued by the Child Protection in Sport Unit advising that:

 

•  Where athletes are used in promotional material the appropriate consent is obtained, or professional       models and/or illustrations are used.

•  Avoid using the first name and surname together, of individuals in a photograph.

•  If the athlete is named, we do not use their photograph without first obtaining the appropriate                    consent.

•  If the photograph is used, we do not name the individual, without first obtaining the appropriate                consent.

•  Seek parental permission and that of the participant to use any image of any such participant.

•  Do not allow photographers unsupervised access to children.

•  Do not approve photography sessions outside the event or at a child’s home.

•  Images or video recordings of children must be kept securely. Hard copies of images should be kept        in a locked drawer and electronic images should be in a protected folder with restricted access.

•  Images should not be stored on unencrypted portable equipment such as laptops, memory sticks            and mobile phones.

 

   

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