Policies

1.3      Photography 

We need to remember images count as sensitive personal data under the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Here’s our four steps to taking event photography with children respectfully and safely:

•   Understand photographs should only be used with the consent of all the people in the image.

-  We will let parents (and children over 13) know how, where and in what context an image may be used. For example, on a public website, through social media or in a printed resource.

•   At a group event, organisers will always make clear to all participants and parents that images will be taken, and for what purposes. Consent will not be requested if children appear in a wide-angle group photograph (for instance, a photograph of the church fete). A church is not a public place, but there may still be occasions when it would not be reasonable, practical or proportionate to secure consent for every individual child who appears in the photograph. For instance:

-  if the event is a church service, nativity play or similar, then a verbal notice will be given out at the beginning by the leader of the service or event, asking that any parent who objects to images being made of their child should either remove their child from view of the camera or approach the leader afterwards to ensure that any image they object to is not used.

-  Alternatively, consent can be implied; if an activity leader invites people to be part of a group photograph, then those who gather for the photograph have given their consent by having taken part.

•   Manage circumstances in which parents and other attendees want to take photographs, e.g. concerts, plays, and choirs:

-  We will decide in advance what the approach to photographs /filming for ‘attendees’ will be and how to publicise this in advance and on the day.

-  We will consider how controlled opportunities for photographs can be provided instead.

•   Keeping images of children securely:

-  Hard copies of images will not be stored by individuals but handed over to Church Wardens or Office and stored securely.

-  Electronic images will be sent to the Church Wardens or Office and stored in a protected folder with restricted access.

-  Images will not be stored on any unencrypted portable equipment such as laptops, memory sticks or mobile phones.

-  It’s not ideal to use personal equipment to take photos and recordings of children on behalf of the Church. However, with our resources this best practice is not always achievable.

Therefore, when personal equipment is used on behalf of the Church, we will always delete photographs including children once they have been used for the purpose for which they were taken.

1.4      Social Media Policy 

MEON VALLEY BARN CHURCH

POLICY STATEMENT FOR USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Information and communication technology are very much part of our everyday social and working lives. For children and young people in particular, it is the norm to communicate electronically through mobile phones, e mail and social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, snapchat, instant messenger and Whats app.

This way of communication offers a wealth of experiences and possibilities for the church to engage with our community. We need to be aware that these platforms can also be used inappropriately by adults and young people.

Adults who work with young people need to be aware of how to use them appropriately and responsibly, in order that children are protected and the integrity of the workers safeguarded.

All communication between young people and adults, by whatever method, should take place within clear and explicit boundaries, and only for reasons related to the church, so as to avoid any possible misinterpretations of motives or any behaviour which could be construed as grooming. Adults should ensure that all communications are transparent and open to scrutiny, and they maintain open relationships with parents and carers regarding communication with children.

Safeguarding Concerns:

Cyber bullying

This is where a child uses digital technologies to bully another child. If an adult bullies a child on social media it is known as cyber stalking and is a serious safeguarding issue. Cyber bullying may involve the use of visual images, texts, phone calls and hits on social networking profiles.

On line Grooming

This is where an adult contacts a child with the sole purpose of preparing them for sexual abuse either on or off line.

Sexting

This is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs by mobile phone. Leaders should remain vigilant to this and report any instances immediately.

Be prepared to talk about sexting in wider conversations with young people. Help young people to understand that they should not be pressured into doing anything they do not want to do. Explain that if pictures are shared without a person’s permission this is bullying and they could be breaking the law.

Do

•   Obtain parental agreement before communicating with young people 


•   Make sure language is clear and unambiguous, avoid ending communications with ‘love’. 


•   Keep communications between the hours of 9am – 8pm, if a project takes place in the
evening and it is necessary to send an e mail/txt this should be in agreement with the
team leader and there should be no communication after 8pm. 


•   Be ready to make all conversations available for viewing by a workers supervisor if asked.

•   Set profiles to the highest setting. 


Don’t

•   Use live chat facilities with children/YP as they cannot be recorded.

•   Add children/YP to personal social networking page.

•   Contact children/YP using personal social networking or instant messaging.

•   Poster tag pictures of children without asking first, see Photography Guidance. If social networking is to be used then the safest form is to use group emails/facebook/whats app etc. Groups must be closed spaces for small groups and in agreement with all members.
For young people who have left the group and are now over 18 ( no longer in full time education ), please use discretion and seek advice if necessary. 


Mobile Phones 


•   Leaders should use group texts wherever possible 


•   There should be an agreed length of time for conversations and a curfew as above 


•   Conversations causing concern should be saved and passed to supervisor 


•   Photos should only be taken in accordance with safeguarding photography guidance 
All of the do s and don’t s should be shared with young people.


Communication and behaviour on line should be no different to off line and in person. Any communication that you feel uncomfortable with contact your line manager and or Safeguarding lead.