Social media, text, direct text/media messaging and email policy

Social Media is a wonderful tool and one we want to use constructively and safely. Roehampton Cricket Club promotes the healthy and appropriate use of social media. It’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and safeguarding issues that arise when posting content in relation to:

• club activities
• team and club performance
• individual performance
• opposition performance
• officials’ decisions/performance

We need all Roehampton CC members and Parents of Roehampton CC junior members to be aware of this policy when sharing or posting content relating to the above from either personal or club accounts.

We also need to remind all players/parents/carers to refresh themselves with our updated Photography and Video policy. Here you will find a large cross over with regards our safeguarding of all our junior club members and personnel.

Common-sense approach: ’Could I say this face to face, or would I be happy to see my comments published in the newspaper? If you are unsure of the answer to these questions, or your answer is “no”, then you should not be posting this on any social media or any direct messaging platform.’

Club Coaches’ use of Social Media, Texts and Emails
Our coaches, representing the club, conform to the ECB Safe Hands Policy. Contacting u18 players by personal text or through social media is strictly forbidden. Staff, coaches & volunteers cannot direct private message anyone under 18 years old via email, text, Snapchat, Instagram or social media platforms. Messages should be directed to the parents AND the young person or via open forums with appropriate language & content.

Everyone involved with Roehampton Cricket Club is reminded that the Relevant Codes of Conduct (for parents, children and coaches) apply online and in text and email communications, just as they do in the “real world”.

Social Media can seem strange and even intimidating for people who did not “grow up” with it. Facebook, Twitter, texting, Messenger, and other platform, as well as online gaming and personal emails are vast and complex. By following some simple guidelines, potential pitfalls can be avoided and Social Media can be safely used as a promotional tool and a means of communication for the club.

Guidance for Parents/ Carers on the use of Social Media, Texts, Snapchat, Instagram and Emails
Children today are growing up with the internet as part of their everyday lives, and that’s a good thing. It’s a great place for them to learn, to have fun and to chat to their friends. Of course, it’s important to make sure that they are safe whilst they do it.

Remember: it is against Facebook’s rules for your child to have an account if they are under 13 years old. This is to prevent them from being exposed to potentially inappropriate content. You will find all you need to know about keeping young teens safe on Facebook on their official safety page for parents: http://www.facebook.com/safety/groups/parents.

Parents/Carers DO

• Make sure the family computer is in a main living area and that the screen is positioned so that you can see what is going on.
• Be open so that the child can approach you if they are being bullied online or if they have been exposed to something that has made them upset or uncomfortable.
• Make sure you are aware of who your child has contact with online and via text.
• Be aware of the ECB and clubs expectations of coaches and social media.
• Talk to your children about using social media.
• Provide your mobile number/email address if requested, so that the club can contact you regarding your child’s matches and training.

Guidance for Children and Young People on the use of Social Media, Texts and Emails

• The internet is a great place to learn and have fun with your friends, and the best way to have fun is to make sure that you stay safe. You should think about the points below whenever you use the internet, or speak to people online or by text.
• If someone isn’t your friend in real life, they are NOT your friend on the internet. Be careful when accepting friend requests.
• Sometimes people on the internet are not who they say they are. If you are not 100% sure, don’t risk it.
• Remember to change your privacy settings so that only your friends can see information about you, your wall posts and your photos.
• If someone is sending you messages or texts that you are worried about, you should tell your parents, an adult you trust, your teacher or our club’s welfare officer. One or both of our 2 child welfare officers (Lara and Jennifer) are present every Sunday. You can find a photograph of each of them on the clubhouse notice board. Ask another adult to help locate one of them should you need them and not find them anywhere.
• Remember any employed Roehampton Cricket Coach is a professional, just like your teachers. They should not be your friend on Facebook, and should not be texting or messaging you.
• You can expect them to make arrangements for coaching and matches via your parents.
• Bullying can happen online too – called cyber-bullying. If you, or someone you know, has had this happen to them you should tell can adult that you can trust.
• Don’t be afraid to tell someone if you have concerns.

Young People NEED to

• Keep your photos and personal information private.
• Conduct yourself in a respectful and courteous manner on social media as you would at home, in school or at cricket.
• Tell a professional or an adult that you trust if you are worried or concerned about online behaviour or unwanted contact/communication.

Young People SHOULD NOT

• Send inappropriate text messages or post messages on social media that are offensive, nasty or derogatory in any way.
• Accept any friend requests from people you don’t know or you feel uncomfortable accepting.
• Connect with, follow or message coaches of Roehampton CC on social media platforms, snapchat and other messaging sites.

The following may be useful
http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Please check here for the procedure for reporting any concerns.