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Communicating safely online
Where an organisation uses digital forms of communication, such as email, social media, and messaging apps, there should be clear expectations and guidelines for workers on how these should be used.
Guidelines around safer communication and use of social media by workers should be included within an organisation’s safeguarding policy and / or code of conduct
When communicating with vulnerable groups online, workers should:
- Be clear and intentional about online communication. Is this the best and safest way to make contact with these people at this time?
- Use an appropriate tone in communications - be warm and friendly but do not suggest or offer a special relationship.
- Be clear and explicit about information that you need to share and be clear to avoid any possible misinterpretation of motives or behaviour.
- Have clear confidentially clauses in communications e.g. within emails outlining the extent of confidentiality.
- Where concerned that there may be an e-safety incident ensure that this is reported to your Safeguarding Lead.
When communicating with children and young people online, workers should:
- Only make contact with children for reasons related to their role.
- Ensure communications remain accessible and able to be reviewed if there is a complaint or allegation (e.g. avoid using Snapchat, the ‘disappearing messages’ function in WhatsApp or equivalent options in other apps).
- Not share personal information with children, or request or respond to any personal information from a child other than that which would be appropriate as part of the role.
- Make sure any organisational social media accounts and messaging platforms that children are invited to join are age appropriate (there are minimum ages for many platforms).
- Ensure there are at least two safely recruited adults managing an account / group.
- Maintain good and open relationships with parents and carers regarding communication with them and their children.
- Don't add children or young people to their personal social networking pages or accounts.
- Have a clear cut off time for communicating with children and young people e.g. no contact past 9pm.
Suggested Training: Online Safety - thirtyone:eight Training
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Page last updated: 05 November 2025