Child Protection Policy for Be Online Safe and Savvy Ltd,  Big Sister

1. Purpose and Scope

Be Online Safe and Savvy is committed to protecting the safety, wellbeing, and rights of all children who interact with our services and expert panel. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding children and ensuring safe, respectful, and age-appropriate interactions with children and their parents, who provide valuable insights into internet safety for families.

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and any other individuals who may have contact with children through the company’s programs and services, including the expert panel.

2. Definitions

  • Child/Children: Any individual under the age of 18.

  • Expert Panel: A group of children, supervised by their parents or guardians, who are invited to participate in activities related to internet safety and digital education.

  • Safeguarding: Protecting children from harm and promoting their welfare, including their rights to grow up in a safe environment.

  • Abuse: Any action that causes harm to a child. This includes physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful behavior.

3. Child Protection Principles

  • Best Interests of the Child: All activities involving children must prioritize their physical and emotional well-being. Decisions made must consider the child’s best interests at all times.

  • Parental/Guardian Involvement: Parents or legal guardians will be involved in every aspect of the child’s participation in the expert panel and will provide informed consent for all activities.

  • Confidentiality: We will maintain strict confidentiality regarding children’s personal information. Any data collected about children will only be shared with the consent of the parent or guardian, unless required by law.

  • Respect and Dignity: All interactions with children will be respectful and appropriate. Children’s voices will be heard and considered in decision-making, and their participation will be voluntary.

4. Recruitment and Training

  • Background Checks: All employees and contractors who may have direct contact with children will undergo background checks, including criminal record checks, to ensure they have no history that would pose a risk to children.

  • Safeguarding Training: All staff working with children will receive safeguarding and child protection training to recognize the signs of abuse and understand their legal obligations for reporting concerns. This training will be updated regularly.

  • Code of Conduct: A clear code of conduct will be in place for all staff, volunteers, and contractors, outlining appropriate behavior when interacting with children.

5. Supervision and Communication

  • Parental Supervision: Children participating on the expert panel must always have a parent or guardian present during all activities. This ensures that children’s interactions are appropriately monitored and that parents are informed about the content and nature of activities.

  • Open Communication: Open channels of communication will be maintained between the company, parents, and children to ensure concerns can be addressed promptly. Parents will be kept informed about any decisions regarding their child’s participation in the expert panel or other activities.

6. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

  • Reporting Procedure: Any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, including suspected abuse, must be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding officer. The company will then follow the appropriate legal and procedural steps, including informing the relevant authorities if required.

  • Response to Concerns: Any allegations or concerns about child abuse will be taken seriously. The company will respond promptly and thoroughly, ensuring that children are supported, and that any necessary actions are taken to protect their safety.

  • Whistleblowing: Any employee, volunteer, or parent who becomes aware of inappropriate conduct or child protection concerns should report the matter immediately, without fear of retaliation.

7. Data Protection and Privacy

  • Personal Data: We will only collect and process personal data of children with the consent of their parent or legal guardian. The data will be stored securely and used only for purposes directly related to the expert panel or other services provided by the company.

  • Digital Safety: As a provider of internet safety services, we will ensure that any online platforms used for communication with children are safe, secure, and age-appropriate. Any online interactions will be monitored to prevent inappropriate content or behavior.

8. Online Safety and Engagement

  • Safe Online Communication: All communication with children, whether online or offline, will be conducted in a safe and appropriate manner. This includes using platforms and tools that are compliant with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and other relevant legislation.

  • Cyberbullying Prevention: We will not tolerate any form of bullying or harassment in the online space. Children will be encouraged to report any issues they encounter, and we will provide clear guidelines on how to handle any negative online behavior.

  • Education and Empowerment: As part of the expert panel and other activities, children will be educated about internet safety, including understanding the risks and how to protect their privacy and security online.

9. Risk Assessment

Before engaging children in any new activities or projects, a thorough risk assessment will be carried out to identify potential hazards to the child’s safety, both physically and emotionally. Appropriate safeguards will be put in place to mitigate any identified risks.

10. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, as well as to reflect best practices in child protection. The policy will be shared with all employees, contractors, and parents, and regular training will be conducted to ensure ongoing adherence to the policy.

11. Contact Information

If you have any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing in connection with our services, please contact our designated safeguarding officer at:

  • Safeguarding Officer Name: Anne Mundy

  • Email: anne@bigsister.live

  • Phone Number: 07877298482