Tuesday March 19, 2024
For National Pony Club updates and information please go to pcuk.org
Social Media Policy

Guidance for Young People
 Make sure your social networking profile is set to private or friends only.
 Make sure you know how to block someone on a social networking site,
and if necessary report them.
 When uploading photos of yourself and friends make sure your friends are
happy for you to do so.
 Do not communicate with people on social networking sites if you do not
know them.
 Never upload photos or send comments that may be hurtful to others.
 Don’t criticise officials, instructors, volunteers or Members on social
networking sites by the use of text messaging.
 Have a look at www.thinkuknow.co.uk, an advice website from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre www.ceop.police.uk.
 If you are worried and would like help, go to www.ceop.police.uk or tell your parents/carers or a responsible adult such as your school teacher.
 Remember that any photos, video clips and comments uploaded to the internet may be there forever even if you delete them. They may also be viewed by people that you may not think will see them.
 Do not give out personal details such as your address, mobile number or location on any website or on the phone.
 Do not meet up with anyone who you have only met and spoken to online.

 

This is not just valid to our Facebook Page but also involves your conduct on Instagram, snap chat or other sites if you are communicating with other Pony Club members even though this is not a pony club activity.

Any member accused of ‘harrassment or bullying’ will be asked to explain their conduct, and their parents will be informed. Repeated misuse of social media sites can lead to very serious consequences, sometimes even legal action.  THINK BEFORE YOU POST ALWAYS.
Guidance for adults
 Remember you are in a position of trust as a volunteer.
 Remember that some sites have an age restriction (i.e. Facebook has a minimum age of 13 years)
 Use separate profiles and communication routes for email or social networking to keep contact with any young people and your private life separate.
 If you use social networking sites, be aware that content is speedily updated.
 Only set up pages for events, activities or groups for which you are responsible.
 Do not use your personal social networking account to communicate with young people
 Conduct yourself in an appropriate way as you would face to face. Be aware of what you say and how you say it – the use of sarcasm and innuendo are not appropriate.
 Don’t engage in one-to-one conversation with young people via chat facilities – this is the same as going into a private room and closing the door.
 Do not provide personal details, such as email addresses, school name etc, for young people on your website or social networking channel.
 Always ensure you have parental permission to use any appropriate photos of young people, and only use their first names in captions.
 When emailing or texting young people always copy the message to another responsible adult, and use the ‘BCC’ facility to avoid sharing e-mail addresses.
 Monitor places where interaction occurs – for example, Facebook Wall, forums and comments on photos.
 If you are concerned about the way a young person is attempting to contact you, tell the Branch DC or Child Protection Officer.
 Know how to block someone online and report them to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) if you feel uncomfortable. Save the www.clickceop.net website to your favourites so that you can report any suspicious behaviour straight away. Have a look at www.thinkuknow.co.uk an advice website from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre www.ceop.police.uk
 Do not criticise Officials, Instructors, Volunteers or Members on social networking sites or by the use of text messaging.