Youth Communication Policy Guidelines
Every organization wants to foster safety and create a healthy communication environment among volunteers, staff, leadership, and the youth who participate in activities or volunteer. With so many communication options available, it’s important to have clear boundaries and defined guidelines to ensure communication is appropriate and safe.
To do this, it is best to have a Youth or Minor Communication policy. Here are ten guidelines to help your organization focus on transparency and trust when communicating.
- Volunteers, staff, and youth guardians must sign a consent form before any communication with minors via text messaging, social media sites, email, or any other form of communication.
- Volunteers and staff are prohibited from transmitting any content that is illicit, unsavory, abusive, pornographic, discriminatory, harassing, or disrespectful when communicating with each other or youth involved in the program.
- There will be no transmission of a youth’s personal information, including name, phone number, email address, or photograph, without consent from the participant and the participant’s parents or guardians. It is best to obtain consent by signing a consent form.
- Students are discouraged from using cell phones during program activities, except in an emergency or to contact a parent or guardian.
- Information on the dangers and consequences of sexting, bullying, and using someone’s photo or video without consent will be shared regularly during the program.
- Immediate notification to a leader and local authorities if a volunteer or staff member becomes aware of possible abuse or neglect. See KidCheck’s Mandatory Reporting: Need to Know or Incident Reporting- A Tool for Improving Child Safety for more information.
- Information, images, or videos shared through public communication channels are not considered confidential.
- Depending on the severity, violating youth communication policies could result in removal from program participation, and parents should be notified immediately.
- A Motor Vehicle Report will be required for volunteers, staff, or leadership transporting a youth. Those shuttling kids may never use a cell phone while transporting unless it’s an emergency.
- Any texts or emails sent by a youth volunteer must go to a group (2 or more people) rather than an individual.
If you are a proactive, passionate youth leader looking to align your ministry goals with growth, connection, and support for teens, click here to learn more about YouthCheck or request a free online demo to see firsthand how it can benefit your ministry.
KidCheck also offers mobile Express Check-in, Check-in Station Pro, and our live, real-person support, available six days a week, including Sunday morning.
For more safety tips, training information, and how to grow your ministry, subscribe to the KidCheck blog or connect with us on X, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
