Mobile phones, instant messaging, social
networking websites, Twitter – they can all be ideal ways to
promote events and projects within the community.
But it is your responsibility to ensure children and young
people are not exposed to risk or danger online or through other
interactive forms of communication.
Some of the areas where children may be exposed to risk
include:
- Social network sites and chat rooms: information posted on
these sites may be used to bully, intimidate or harass children and
young people. Adults who commit sexual offences may use these sites
to make contact with children and young people. Personal or family
details may be used to commit offences.
- Unsuitable materials and sites: children and young people may
be exposed to pornographic material or to race hate or other
offensive sites. Unsuitable material is not easily detected until
the information has been downloaded.
- Other sites or forums: children and young people may access
sites detailing risky behaviour including self-harm and
suicide.
There are a number of sources of information about online safety,
including guidelines on social networking sites. You are advised to
visit these sites if you decide to use electronic communication to
publicise and promote your project or group.
Photos, videos and other recordings are a great way to promote
your project. They are also a good opportunity to involve children
and young people. In doing so, it is important to make sure the
children and young people who are featured give their permission.
Parental consent should also be obtained for any close up
photography or video recording intended for publication featuring
anyone under 18.
Where photography or video recording is a regular feature of
your play project, a policy for getting written parental consent
for recordings used in promotional or publicity material will be
needed.
You will also need to have a clear process for dealing with
child protection concerns that may arise from the publication of
images of children and young people, including those published
online.
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Tools and information
Byron Review Action Plan Government commissioned review looking at the risks to children from exposure to potentially harmful or innappropriate material on the internet and in video games.
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Organisations
Childline Provides information and advice about staying safe on-line, such as cyber bullying, social networking, safe surfing and mobile phone safety.
Kidsmart Provides information on social networking sites and great links to other guidance about online safety including safe surfing and digital footprints.