FAO ALL Parents/Guardians/Carers
Social Media & Digital Devices Update
Rutherglen Amateur Swimming Club has seen an increased rise in enquiries and concerns regarding the inappropriate use of Mobile Phones and Social Media and the taking/recording of inappropriate images.
As Child Protection Officer for the Club I am receiving more and more complaints from parents making me aware of incidents re inappropriate language, behaviour and bullying via Social Media.
Rutherglen Amateur Swimming Club finds this behaviour totally UNACCEPTABLE and it WILL NOT be tolerated. For those found to be involved in such conduct then sanctions maybe imposed upon them.
Can I therefore ask ALL parents to share the below safety advice and speak with your child/ren regarding such behaviours making them aware of the consequences should they be found to be participating/inciting/encouraging same.
To support you in addressing this increase of social media/digital device related incidents Scottish Swimming has the following advice, and recommends the use of resources from www.saferinternet.org.uk who provide expert advice in this area
The information in this Scottish Swimming guidance note is consistent with the following CPSU guidance.
Whether you’re a child, young person, parent or carer, familiarise yourself with our ten top tips for young people to stay safe online
- Stop & think before you post messages online. Cyber-bullying includes sending hurtful messages, name calling, making threats, using abusive language, humiliation, or targeting someone because they are different.
- Never give out your personal details online (eg. phone number; address; school name; bank details; your real name on sites where you are only known by a different username).
- Remember – if you haven’t met someone in person, they are a stranger. Never arrange to meet people you don’t know.
- Don’t go into adult chat rooms. How can you be sure who you are talking to?
- If you see something on a website that upsets you, turn off the screen and tell an adult you trust. You can also call ChildLine on 0800 1111.
- Only use a webcam if you have told an adult you trust first.
- Don’t engage in sexual talk online. You have no way of knowing who you are really talking to.
- Never post intimate photos or videos of yourself online. Have you considered where it could end up?
- If you think you are being cyber-bullied or blackmailed, tell an adult you trust or contact ChildLine on 0800 1111. ChildLine is totally free and totally confidential.
- If you are an adult seeking advice about cyber-bullying and online safety, download our factsheet or call ParentLine Scotland on 08000 28 22 33.
Useful links
Internet Matters
Internet safety factsheet
ParentLine Scotland
Think U Know
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) ChildLine
Respect Me
Thank you for your continued co-operation regarding this matter.
Amanda Kennedy
Child Protection/Welfare Officer
Rutherglen Amateur Swimming Club
Email: childprotection@rasc.org.uk
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