Social Networking, Social Media & E-Safety Policy

Overview

Policy Statement

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC recognises the importance of technology, online communication and social media within modern life, education and employment. We are committed to promoting the safe, responsible and appropriate use of digital technologies while safeguarding the wellbeing, privacy and safety of young people, staff and the wider community.

As a provision supporting vulnerable young people aged 16–24, including those with SEMH needs, autism and additional vulnerabilities, Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC recognises the increased risks associated with online activity, including cyberbullying, exploitation, inappropriate contact, radicalisation, online grooming and misuse of social media.

This policy outlines expectations regarding the safe and professional use of:

  • Social media
  • Mobile phones and devices
  • Online communication
  • Digital technologies
  • Internet use
  1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Promote safe and responsible online behaviour.
  • Protect young people, staff and the organisation from online risks.
  • Clarify expectations regarding professional boundaries and social media use.
  • Support safeguarding and online safety responsibilities.
  • Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and professional conduct requirements.
  1. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Young people accessing Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC
  • Staff and volunteers
  • Directors
  • Contractors
  • Visitors where relevant

The policy applies to:

  • On-site activities
  • Community-based provision
  • Work placements and internships
  • Online learning or communication
  • Personal and professional use of social media where it may impact the organisation or safeguarding
  1. E-Safety Principles

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC is committed to:

  • Promoting safe online behaviour and digital responsibility.
  • Educating young people about online risks and healthy online relationships.
  • Maintaining professional boundaries online.
  • Preventing misuse of technology and social media.
  • Responding appropriately to online safeguarding concerns.

Online safety forms part of the organisation’s wider safeguarding responsibilities.

  1. Acceptable Use of Technology

Young people and staff are expected to:

  • Use technology responsibly and respectfully.
  • Access only appropriate content and websites.
  • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of others.
  • Report online concerns, risks or inappropriate behaviour promptly.
  • Follow staff guidance regarding device use during activities and sessions.

Technology must not be used to:

  • Bully, intimidate or harass others
  • Share inappropriate, offensive or harmful content
  • Access illegal or unsuitable material
  • Record or photograph others without permission
  • Breach confidentiality
  • Damage the reputation of the organisation or others
  1. Social Media Expectations

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC recognises that social media can be used positively for:

  • Communication
  • Community engagement
  • Celebration of achievements
  • Promoting opportunities and partnerships

However, staff and young people must use social media responsibly.

  1. Professional Boundaries

Staff, volunteers and professionals must maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

Staff must not:

  • Add or accept young people as friends/followers on personal social media accounts
  • Engage in inappropriate private messaging
  • Share personal information with young people online
  • Use personal devices in ways that compromise safeguarding or professionalism

Any communication with young people online must:

  • Be appropriate and professional
  • Relate to provision activities where necessary
  • Follow organisational procedures
  • Maintain safeguarding standards
  1. Use of Images & Media

Photographs, videos or online content involving young people will only be used:

  • With appropriate consent
  • For legitimate organisational purposes
  • In ways that protect dignity and privacy

Images will not be used where they:

  • Place a young person at risk
  • Reveal sensitive information
  • Compromise safeguarding

Consent arrangements will comply with GDPR and safeguarding procedures.

  1. Online Safety Risks

Beyond Barriers CIC recognises online risks including:

  • Cyberbullying
  • Online grooming
  • Exploitation
  • Radicalisation
  • Sexting or inappropriate image sharing
  • Scams and fraud
  • Harmful or extremist content
  • Social media pressure and mental health impacts

Young people will be supported to:

  • Recognise risks
  • Develop safe online behaviours
  • Report concerns safely
  • Build healthy digital habits
  1. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is taken seriously and may include:

  • Abusive messages
  • Social media harassment
  • Sharing rumours or harmful content
  • Fake accounts or impersonation
  • Exclusion from online groups

Cyberbullying concerns will be managed in line with:

  • Safeguarding procedures
  • Anti-Bullying Policy
  • Behaviour procedures

Support will be provided to affected individuals.

  1. Safeguarding Concerns

Online safety concerns may constitute safeguarding concerns.

Staff must report concerns immediately where there are risks relating to:

  • Exploitation
  • Abuse
  • Radicalisation
  • Self-harm
  • Mental health
  • Missing episodes
  • Criminal activity

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will manage concerns in line with safeguarding procedures and external agency requirements.

  1. Monitoring & Filtering

Where technology is used within provision:

  • Appropriate monitoring and filtering arrangements will be implemented where possible and proportionate.
  • Staff supervision will support safe usage.
  • Concerns regarding inappropriate use will be addressed promptly.

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC recognises that some activities occur within community settings and therefore risk assessments and supervision arrangements remain important safeguards.

  1. Staff Responsibilities

All staff are responsible for:

  • Modelling safe and professional online behaviour
  • Maintaining professional boundaries
  • Reporting online safeguarding concerns
  • Promoting online safety awareness
  • Following organisational procedures regarding technology use

Staff may face disciplinary action for inappropriate online conduct or breaches of this policy.

  1. Young Person Responsibilities

Young people are encouraged to:

  • Use technology safely and respectfully
  • Report concerns or unsafe content
  • Respect others online
  • Follow guidance regarding device use
  • Understand the consequences of inappropriate online behaviour

Support and education will be provided to help develop safe digital skills and awareness.

  1. Data Protection & Confidentiality

All online communication and digital information sharing must comply with:

  • UK GDPR
  • Data Protection Act 2018
  • Confidentiality procedures

Confidential information must not be shared via inappropriate platforms or personal accounts.

  1. Monitoring & Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where:

  • Legislation changes
  • Guidance changes
  • Technology or operational changes occur
  • Safeguarding incidents indicate review is necessary

The organisation is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive digital environment for all.

Related Policies

  • Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
  • Anti-Bullying Policy
  • Data Protection & GDPR Policy
  • Staff Code of Conduct
  • Behaviour & SEMH Policy
  • Whistleblowing Policy

Policy Information

Policy Owner: Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC Directors
Approved By: Rebecca Cox & Sarah Harris
Review Frequency: Annually
Date Approved:  June 2026
Review Date: June 202