Social media policy

Introduction

All adults working with young people in badminton are asked to adhere to the best practice guidelines which form part of the UK BADMINTON England Safeguarding and Protecting Young people in Badminton Policy.

The Internet can be a valuable resource which members of Truro Badminton Club may wish to access. Social media is a generic term used to describe a range of online applications that enable – and specifically encourage – interactive communication between users. These include platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube, Digg, Flickr, blogs and personal websites. Millions of people around the world use social media to ask questions, network, learn and share their interests.

This policy is designed to guide members in their use of social media platforms. The Internet is a fast-moving technology and it is impossible to cover all circumstances. However, the principles set out in this document should always be followed. The intention of this policy is not to stop members from conducting legitimate activities on the internet, but serves to flag-up those areas in which conflicts may arise.

The Guidelines

Any digital communication between Truro Badminton Club members or parents must be professional in tone and content.
All members of Truro Badminton Club will use of social media responsibly.
All Truro Badminton Club members are responsible for the management of their own online presence.
Members should ensure that individuals should not be identifiable in social media posts without their permission.
Members should not engage in online discussion on personal matters relating to other members.
Personal opinions on social media platforms should not be attributed to Truro Badminton Club.
Mobile phones, tablets and other devices which allow internet access should not be used during any playing activity.

Truro Junior Badminton Club advocates the following:-

Never write anything online when distressed or in response to something that has annoyed you – take time to think about your response and the most appropriate way to provide this.
Do not be seduced by the informality of social media and the use of the word “friend‟ in this context.

Be mindful that people online may not be who they appear to be – do you know the people you are linking up with?
Do not engage in activities which might be considered disrespectful, derogatory, abusive or socially inappropriate.
Under no circumstance should offensive comments be made about Truro Badminton Club members or clients on the internet. This may amount to cyber-bullying which is a disciplinary offence. Negative comments may contravene the BE Codes of Conduct and therefore may be subject to disciplinary action.
Always respect the privacy and the feelings of others.
Always consider the open nature of social media. All members should be mindful of the information they disclose on social networking sites.
Be aware of your security settings – third parties may be able to view or share your posts without your knowledge. By posting identifiable data about yourself online may lead to you becoming a victim of identity theft – think about your personal protection.
Never disclose confidential information or voice perceived dissatisfaction with Truro Badminton Club or its policies. These must be raised through formal routes e.g. to a committee member. Breaches in confidentiality could result in disciplinary action being taken.
Regularly review the content of your social media presence and consider historical posts – how could these be viewed by others or if seen out of context?
All professionally qualified staff should also familiarise themselves with the social media / use of the internet guidance issued by BE. Breaches of professional codes of conduct will result in a review of practice and may lead to disciplinary action.
Truro Badminton Club members who have or want to create an online presence (personal or professional) which indicates in any way that they are members of Truro Badminton Club should discuss any potential conflicts of interest with their team manager.
If an online site makes it clear the author is a member of Truro Badminton Club, it should include a simple and visible disclaimer such as “These are my personal views and not those of Truro Badminton Club”.
Social networking sites allow photographs, videos and comments to be shared with thousands of other users. However, it may not be appropriate to share Truro Badminton Club -related information or social events with colleagues in this way. For example, there may be an expectation, by Truro Badminton Club members present at a social event, that photographs taken at a private event will not appear publicly. The perceptions of others not at the event who may see the images out of context should also be considered.
Many parents and carers have only a limited understanding of e-safety risks and issues, yet they play an essential role in the education of their children and in the monitoring / regulation of the children’s on-line behaviours. Parents may underestimate how often children and young people come across potentially harmful and inappropriate material on the internet and may be unsure about how to respond.
Truro Badminton Club Coaches should NOT have players under the age of 18 as their ‘friends’ on personal social networking sites when the primary reason for the relationship is badminton and they have a position of trust in relation to that young person.
In the event of a player showing a Truro Badminton Club staff member a text or instant message, image or email that is considered to be inappropriate you must inform the Safeguarding Officer, either at the club or BE County or National level. If a young person is concerned with anything they have seen on the internet they are advised to speak to Safeguarding Officer.

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Some key points to remember

Don’t:- Share confidential information online

Post inappropriate comments about members or staff

Use social networking sites to bully or intimidate members

Pursue personal relationships with members

Distribute sexually explicit material

Use social networking sites in any way which is unlawful