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Online Safety Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how Knuckle Down ensures young people, coaches and volunteers use digital technology and online communication safely in connection with our programmes. While Knuckle Down sessions are delivered in person in schools, this policy covers the online touchpoints that do exist — the Knuckle Down website, any digital tools used to support a programme, and how coaches communicate online with schools and parents/carers.

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2. Principles

  • Safety first — protect young people from online harm, exploitation or inappropriate content connected to Knuckle Down's activities.

  • Respect — encourage responsible, respectful communication in any online interaction connected to our programmes.

  • Accountability — every coach and volunteer understands their role in keeping online interactions safe.

 

3. Scope

This policy applies to all coaches, staff and volunteers, and to any online platform or communication channel used in connection with a Knuckle Down programme — including the website contact form, email correspondence with schools, and any digital resources shared as part of a session.

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4. Expectations of Coaches and Staff

  • Never contact a young person directly via a personal phone number, social media account or messaging app. All communication about, or with, a young person's family goes through the school or a parent/carer directly, never a coach's personal channels.

  • Maintain professional boundaries in all online interactions, exactly as in person.

  • Where a digital tool or resource is used to support a session (for example, sharing a video demonstrating technique), it is agreed with the school in advance and delivered through school-approved channels.

  • Report any online safety or safeguarding concern immediately to the DSL, in line with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

  • Do not share images or personal information about a young person online without the consent set out in the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

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5. Expectations of Young People (Where Relevant)

Where a young person interacts with Knuckle Down online (for example, a school using a shared platform to access programme materials):

  • Use any programme-related platform respectfully and for its intended purpose.

  • Never share personal details (address, phone number, passwords) via a Knuckle Down channel.

  • Report anything uncomfortable or inappropriate to a coach or school staff member straight away.

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6. Parental/Carer Involvement

Where any online element forms part of a programme, parents/carers are informed by the school in advance, and any necessary consent is obtained through the school.

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7. The Knuckle Down Website

  • Enquiries submitted via the website contact form are handled in line with our Privacy Policy.

  • Knuckle Down does not use its website or social media to communicate directly with individual young people, and does not identify a young person by name in any photo or content published online without consent, in line with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

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8. Safeguarding and Reporting

Any online safety concern is treated as a safeguarding matter and reported to the DSL immediately, following the same process as any other safeguarding concern. Where appropriate, this may be escalated to the LADO, children's social care, or the police.

 

9. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and reflects current guidance.

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