This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), together with the Online Safety Policy, seeks to protect children and young people from harm, and reduce situations where misunderstandings, concerns or allegations may occur. Leaders are expected to read, understand, and adhere to this AUP. This AUP outlines how volunteer leaders must use technology safely for and in relation to Boys’ Brigade activities.
It is important to remember
- Volunteer leaders must always respond to and report any online safeguarding concerns or allegations that they become aware of, in the same way as those that occur offline.
- Online behaviour by leaders should not be any different to the positive, respectful and safe behaviour expected during in-person BB activities.
- The Leaders Code of Conduct applies to online activity.
Online Communication
- Never communicate one-to-one with children and young people members on social media or messaging apps.
- Ensure group communications are managed and administered by at least two registered leaders.
- Do not accept (or send) friend/follow requests with children and young people members. If they keep trying to add or follow a leader, the leader should inform their Captain/Correspondent, who will notify the young person’s parents/carers. *See exception 1 below re family members/close family friends.
- Ensure contact with Anchors, Juniors and Company members is via their parents/carers. *See exception 2 below
- Direct contact with Seniors, about BB activities, is allowed with parent/carer consent. For this to take place safely, leaders must use an age-appropriate platform and always ensure that at least two registered leaders are included in all communication.
- Always be respectful and positive. Do not tolerate any bullying, discrimination, or any other offensive behaviour.
| If a young person contacts a volunteer leader directly in an emergency, it may be necessary for the leader to respond to them initially (to clarify their location, who they are with, the type of emergency, etc). In these circumstances, the volunteer leader should ensure the communication is either saved or copied to another leader. Once the emergency has been responded to, they should inform their Captain/Correspondent and make a record of the circumstances. Advice should then be sought from BBHQ Safeguarding. |
Exceptions
- It is accepted that children and young people are likely to follow the personal social media accounts of leaders they are related to. This may also apply (with their parents’/carers’ consent) to children and young people members whose families were close personal friends of a leader, before they were appointed. It is good practice to inform the Captain/Correspondent of this, so they are aware of connections that already exist outside of the BB setting.
- There may be contact with Juniors and Company age young people that is not via parents/carers, during a residential or event, when young people have time away from leaders. This could be for a trip to a theme park, activity centre or into a local town. This would need to be agreed in advance with parents and be included within the Activity Risk Assessment. Children and young people will need to be informed of the purpose and parameters for the contact to ensure it doesn’t continue outside of the activity.
Use of Social Media
- Use BB-approved platforms, e.g. Instagram and Facebook.
- Regularly monitor any group chats, pages or forums and remove any inappropriate or harmful content.
- Restrict admin access (minimum of two registered leaders).
- Adhere to consents when posting photos of children and young people.
- Avoid revealing personal details, e.g. Full names, school or home address details.
- Never share memes, videos, or content that could be considered offensive, political, violent or of a sexual nature.
- Never share passwords or give platform access to unauthorised people.
- Never use BB online platforms for personal or commercial gain.
- Ensure that social media contact does not occur on platforms where messages cannot be retained.
Use of Personal Devices during BB Activities
- Ensure children and young people cannot view anything inappropriate, personal, or illegal.
- Ensure devices are locked when unattended.
- Supervise children and young people members, ensuring they can only view age-appropriate material.
Virtual Meetings
- Do not record sessions or allow young people to record or take screenshots.
- Use BB approved platforms (Zoom, Teams).
- Ensure there is always a minimum of two registered leaders throughout.
- Keep a record of who has attended, including leaders (as with any BB activity).
- Comply with Platform age restrictions – normally 16. Young people under 16 must join with their parents’/carers’ accounts. Over 16s, with parent/carer permission, can join from their own accounts.
- Volunteer leaders must be appropriately dressed, as they would be in a face-to-face meeting.
This policy, along with the Online Safety Policy, will be reviewed every three years or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance.
- because of any other significant change, event or incident review.
This policy was approved on 29th November 2025.