Social media, text, direct text/media messaging and email policy
Social Media is a wonderful tool and one we want to use constructively and safely. Hadleigh Cricket Club (HCC) promotes the healthy and appropriate use of social media. It is important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and safeguarding issues that arise when posting content in relation to:

• Club activities

• Team and club performances

• Individual performances

• Opposition performances

• Officials’ decisions/performances

We need all HCC members and parents of HCC junior members to be aware of this policy when sharing or posting content relating to the above from either personal or club accounts.
We also need to remind all players/parents/carers to refresh themselves with our updated Photography Policy.

Common-sense approach: Could I say this face-to-face, or would I be happy to see my comments published in the newspaper? If you are unsure of the answer to these questions, or your answer is ‘no’, you should not be posting this on any social media or any direct messaging platform.

Club Coaches’ use of Social Media, Texts and Emails

Our coaches, representing the club, conform to the ECB Safe Hands Policy. Contacting u18 players by personal text or through social media is strictly forbidden. Coaches, managers and volunteers cannot direct private message anyone under 18 years old via email, text, Snapchat, Instagram or other social media platforms. Messages should be directed to the parents AND the young person or via open forums with appropriate language and content.

Everyone involved with HCC is reminded that the Relevant Codes of Conduct (for parents, children and coaches) apply online and in text and email communications, just as they do in the ‘real world’.

See below for additional advice and best practice around social media use within the family:
Social Media can seem strange and even intimidating for people who did not grow up with it. Facebook, Twitter, texting, Messenger, and other platforms, as well as online gaming and personal emails are vast and complex. By following some simple guidelines, potential pitfalls can be avoided and social media can be safely used as a promotional tool and a means of communication for the club.

Guidance for Parents/ Carers on the use of Social Media, Texts, Snapchat, Instagram and Emails

Children today are growing up with the internet as part of their everyday lives, and that is a good thing. It is a great place for them to learn, to have fun and to chat to their friends. Of course, it is important to make sure that they are safe whilst they do it. Remember: it is against Facebook’s rules for your child to have an account if they are under 13 years old. This is to prevent them from being exposed to potentially inappropriate content. You will find all you need to know about keeping young teens safe on Facebook on their official safety page for parents here - http://www.facebook.com/safety/groups/parents/.

Parents/Carers DO

• Be open so that the child can approach you if they are being bullied online or if they have been exposed to something that has made them upset or uncomfortable.

• Make sure you are aware of who your child has contact with online and via text.

• Be aware of the ECB and HCC’s expectations of coaches and social media.

• Talk to your children about using social media.

• Provide your mobile number/email address if requested, so that the club can contact you regarding your child’s matches and training.

The following links may also be useful:

http://www.google.co.uk/familysafety/advice.html

https://ww.thinkuknow.co.uk/Parentsold