Jesus Youth JY UK Safeguarding
Section 8

Online Events & Social Media

Safeguarding controls for online sessions, platform settings, and social media policy.

8. Online Events & Social Media

8.1 Online Events Involving Under-18s

Online activities (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, Discord, WhatsApp groups, livestreams) carry distinct safeguarding risks because parents are usually not present in the session. The same standards apply as for in-person events, plus additional online-specific controls.

Parental consent is required for every under-18 attending an online programme, even though they are joining from their own home. The fact that they are at home does not transfer responsibility from Jesus Youth to the parent during the session.

Online Parental Consent (additional to standard consent) — must include:

  • Acknowledgement that parent has reviewed the platform and topic
  • Consent for child to attend live online sessions on [platform], on [day/time], facilitated by [named leader(s)]
  • Consent for any recording (separate opt-in — default off)
  • Acknowledgement of the home environment expectations (below)
  • Confirmation parent will be contactable during the session and will be in the home (or has named another responsible adult who is)
  • Right to withdraw at any time

Platform & session controls

  • Use a Jesus Youth-managed account / workspace, not a leader’s personal account
  • Private link, sent through a parent-copied channel — never publicly posted
  • Waiting room / lobby enabled; leader admits known participants only
  • Two DSL-checked, DBS-cleared adult leaders present from start to end — never one alone
  • No 1:1 breakout rooms between an adult and a young person under any circumstance
  • Breakouts of young people only must be visible to a leader who can drop in unannounced
  • Leaders’ cameras on for the whole session
  • Young people: cameras on by default but allow camera-off with parent’s note (some homes/situations need this)
  • Recording off by default; if recording, all parents must have opted in for that specific session, and recording is announced at the start
  • Chat saved, reviewed by leader after the session, retained as a record (see §14)
  • Screen sharing locked to leaders

Home environment expectations (communicate to parents at sign-up)

  • Child joins from a shared/common area of the home, not a bedroom with the door closed
  • Appropriate clothing
  • A parent or named responsible adult is in the home and reachable
  • Background and audio environment should not expose other people in the household unwillingly

Communication outside the session

  • No direct 1:1 messaging between adult leaders and under-18s on any channel
  • All written communication to under-18s goes via a group channel with at least two leaders, and parents copied on the channel (e.g. parent + young person both on the WhatsApp group)
  • Reminders, prayer requests, follow-ups: group channel only
  • If a young person DMs a leader, leader replies via the group or copies a second leader, and informs the DSL if the message raises a concern

Attendance & records (per session)

  • Register of who attended (screenshot of participant list at start, or leader log)
  • Any incidents/concerns logged same-day
  • Saved chat
  • Recording (if applicable, with consent record)

Safeguarding training for online leaders

  • All leaders running online sessions complete online safeguarding training in addition to general safeguarding training (covering grooming online, platform settings, recording law, GDPR for recordings)

Livestreams / public broadcasts

  • If broadcasting publicly (YouTube live, Instagram live, Facebook live) and under-18s could appear: separate, explicit media consent required; default position is do not show under-18s on camera

8.2 Online Safety / Social Media Policy

  • Jesus Youth will ensure that all online content produced is appropriate for audiences of all ages when streamed. Parental permission will not be sought for viewers under 18, as internet permissions remain the responsibility of parents or guardians.
  • As a general rule, volunteers should refrain from direct interaction with children whom they minister to at Jesus Youth events, via social media platforms. This includes not accepting friend/follow requests from children. Volunteers must also refrain from sharing personal information such as mobile numbers, home addresses, or email addresses with children.
  • Volunteers should not engage in private communication with children online or through phone.
  • Communications prior to and following events should be made through parents/carers. If in certain situations, it is required that a volunteer contact a child, this should take place with consent from the parent.
  • For online gatherings, one-to-one contact may occur. Such interactions will be facilitated through secure platforms, ensuring transparency and safety of the child. Prior to engagement, prearranged schedules and timings will be communicated with parents, and consent will be obtained.