Online Safety Policy

The Cove’ engages with children and families as part of its activities. The purpose of this policy statement is to: 


  • ensure the safety and well being of children and young people is paramount when adults, young people or children are using the internet, social media or mobile devices 
  • provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to online safety 
  • ensure that, as an organisation, we operate in line with our values and within the law in terms of how we use online devices. 


The policy statement applies to all staff, volunteers, children and young people and anyone involved in The Cove’s activities.


This policy has been drawn up in accordance with best practice using the NSPCC guidelines and key principles of The Privacy Act 2020 on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children and young people under 18 years old. 


We believe that:

  • children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind 
  • children should be able to use the internet for education and personal development, but safeguards need to be in place to ensure they are kept safe at all times.


We recognise that:

  •  the online world provides everyone with many opportunities; however it can also present risks and challenges 
  • we have a duty to ensure that all children, young people and adults involved in our organisation are protected from potential harm online
  • we have a responsibility to help keep children and young people safe online, while they are using ‘The Cove’ network and devices 
  • working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare and in helping young people to be responsible in their approach to online safety 
  • all children, regardless of age, disability, gender identification, race, religion or belief, have the right to autonomy and equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.


We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:


  • having each member agree to ‘The Cove’ code of conduct
  • providing a parent moderator to oversee the intake and registration processes
  • supporting and encouraging the young people using our service to use the internet, social media and mobile phones in a way that keeps them safe and shows respect for others 
  • supporting and encouraging parents and carers to do what they can to keep their children safe online 
  • developing an online safety agreement for use with young people and their parents or carers 
  • developing clear and robust procedures to enable us to respond appropriately to any incidents of inappropriate online behavior, whether by an adult or a child or young person 
  • reviewing and updating the security of our information systems regularly • ensuring that user names, logins, email accounts and passwords are used effectively 
  • ensuring personal information about the adults and children who are involved in our organisation is held securely and shared only as appropriate 
  • ensuring that images and dialogue from children, young people and families are used only after their written permission has been obtained, and only for the purpose for which consent has been given 
  • providing supervision, support and training for staff and volunteers about online safety 
  • examining and risk assessing any social media platforms and new technologies before they are used within the organisation.


If inappropriate online behavior occurs, we will respond to it by:


  • having clear and robust safeguarding procedures in place for response and mitigating potential risks
  • engaging our ticketing system where we will document and report incidents for future reference
  • reviewing our online safety plan regularly with a clear pathway for resolution
  • following up directly with parents if code of conduct continues to be breached