Coronavirus – Using social media with young people 

Written 20 March 2020 
Updated 23 March 2020
Reviewed 5 March 2021

The National Safeguarding Team have produced a new safeguarding guideline 'Using social media to engage and communicate with young people within the church'. This comprehensive document also includes guidelines for the current situation:

We are aware that some churches have agreed that their youth leaders can gather virtually with their youth groups; please make sure these gatherings operate within your church’s safeguarding policy and procedures. 

We would recommend 2 adult leaders present in the virtual group from the start of the call (first to join, last to leave) and consent obtained from parents beforehand. It’s important that we keep in touch with the children and young people that we’re serving and phone calls, WhatsApp groups, messaging can all be done in ways that are transparent and safe.

Download the document from here.