Online Child Protection Policy

Overview

At Kids SecuriDay (“SecuriDay”) we understand that there are many risks associated with children and young people accessing content online, including breaches of privacy that may lead to fraud, identity theft and unauthorised access to personal information. Other risks include image-based abuse, cyberbullying, stalking and exposure to illicit materials. SecuriDay requires that all of our mentors and presenters conduct themselves according to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and behaviour when interacting with children online, as well as implementing measures to protect them from potential misconduct from other parties. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, full compliance with all legal obligations imposed by statute or any other source of law. All mentors, and workshop presenters that directly interact with youth, must hold current Working With Children Checks (or their state equivalent based on location in which they reside).

This policy establishes the standards of behaviour that must be met by all mentors and workshop hosts throughout online interactions with children. Where these standards are not met, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. This policy applies to pre-recorded video content, live streams and video conferencing, live chat, comments, community platforms, social media and any other online interactions with children.

Breach of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of association. In the case of any breach the appropriate authorities will be notified.

Operation

In order to protect the mental and physical well-being of children and young people, the following guidelines should be followed by all mentors and workshop hosts of SecuriDay in relation to online interactions with children:

Regarding Kids SecuriDay mentor and workshop host's own conduct:

• All presenters and mentors that have direct interaction with children must hold current Working With Children Checks. In the case where international presenters or those who are ineligible to apply for these checks, appropriate local certification will be obtained, or no direct contact will occur (for example, an international speaker may present, however may not interact directly with the children in mentoring forums).
• Ensure that no inappropriate image(s), inappropriate video(s) or personal information is visible to the children. Inappropriate materials include content of a sexual, violent, dangerous or potentially harmful nature.
• Use appropriate language throughout the delivery. Mentors and workshop hosts are not to use profanities, sexually explicit language, or offensive language.
• Mentors and workshop hosts are not to encourage dangerous acts that children can easily imitate. A warning not to perform dangerous activities, or the need for professional or adult supervision must accompany the content presented.
• Mentors and workshop hosts must not engage in emotionally-distressing behaviour that would encourage cyberbullying, or target individuals for abuse, humiliation, or violence.
• The same principles which regular child protection policy requires and code of conduct apply to interactions online. Where possible ensure any interactions or correspondence with children online are visible to two or more parties, and recorded in an unalterable manner.
• Mentors and workshop hosts must not knowingly initiate first contact privately with children online via email, instant messaging apps or social media.
• We acknowledge that it is not always possible to discern the age of the sender simply by email address or account name. When interacting via email, always carbon copy the SecuriDay email account when responding to emails from people that are potentially children. Any direct or private interactions on social media or other online platforms must use official SecuriDay accounts accessible by more than one mentors or workshop hosts.

Regarding the prevention of potential misconduct by other parties:

• A protocol is in place, in accordance with the Enhancing Online Safety for Children Act 2015, for any participant or mentor and workshop hosts to report incidents relating to a child’s experience with other participants or the SecuriDay’s mentors or workshop hosts. All reports will be reviewed and addressed by designated personnel.
• Look out for and minimise cyberbullying behaviour, take action, and where possible, record (without identifiable images of individuals) and report incidents to designated personnel.
• Clearly outline expectations to the audience, and consequences of misconduct during online interactions with children.
• Any participation of children visible or audible to other parties must be voluntary and have consent from the child’s parent or legal guardian before featuring them in visual online content.
• Private interactions such as direct messaging without supervision will be disabled where possible, or minimised.
• Where comments apply to online interactions with children, these shall be moderated to filter and review submissions and will be flagged and reported to designated personnel if deemed inappropriate.

If you would like further information about the way Kids SecuriDay manages the Online Child Protection Policy, please contact the organiser in writing;

Organiser

Kids SecuriDay

Po Box 88

Civic Square ACT

Australia 2608