1. COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY There are significant benefits for organisations using texts/emails and setting up social networking sites. Not only is it cheap, it’s one of the most direct forms of communication with young people. However, there are risks. Adults who seek to harm children have been known to use messaging to children. This area is now specifically addressed by the Protection of “groom” Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005. For children and young people, the safeguarding risks of these technologies include: inappropriate access to, use or sharing of personal details (e.g. names, email addresses); unwanted contact with children by adults with wrongful/questionable intent; being sent offensive or otherwise inappropriate material; online bullying by peers; grooming for sexual abuse; direct contact and abuse. For adults, risks involved include: their communication with children being misinterpreted; potential investigation (internal or by statutory agencies); potential disciplinary action. 1.2 TEXT/EMAIL Staff/volunteers must consider whether it is necessary to communicate with children via text and email. The general principle is that all communications with children should be open, transparent and appropriate. Good practice would include agreeing with children and parents/carers what kind of information will be communicated directly to children by text message. This information should only be
1. COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY There are significant benefits for organisations using texts/emails and setting up social networking sites. Not only is it cheap, it’s one of the most direct forms of communication with young people. However, there are risks. Adults who seek to harm children have been known to use messaging to “groom” children. This area is now specifically addressed by the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005. For children and young people, the safeguarding risks of these technologies include: inappropriate access to, use or sharing of personal details (e.g. names, email addresses); unwanted contact with children by adults with wrongful/questionable intent; being sent offensive or otherwise inappropriate material; online bullying by peers; grooming for sexual abuse; direct contact and abuse. For adults, risks involved include: their communication with children being misinterpreted; potential investigation (internal or by statutory agencies); potential disciplinary action. 1.2 TEXT/EMAIL Staff/volunteers must consider whether it is necessary to communicate with children via text and email. The general principle is that all communications with children should be open, transparent and appropriate. Good practice would include agreeing with children and parents/carers what kind of information will be communicated directly to children by text message. This information should only be