• Text messaging young members

Text messaging can be a useful tool in attracting more people to sessions at your judo club and coordinating the clubs other activities.

There are a number of risks associated with texting children and young people under the age 16 that people should be aware of. This includes:

  • Gaining inappropriate access or sharing of personal data
  • Unwanted and inappropriate contact
  • Misinterpretation

There are a number of steps that can be taken in order to minimise any risks to children and young people. These include:

  • Ensuring that only those that have been DBS checked are responsible for sending out messages to children
  • Keeping access to personal data of children to a minimum
  • Obtaining consent to send children text messages. If they are 15 years of age or under you should also obtain consent from their parent or guardian.
  • All messages sent to children should also be sent to another adult. This could be the Club Welfare Officer and/or a parent.
  • Children and Young people should not be encouraged to respond to text messages.

All messages should reflect the professional relationship that should exist between a player and their club and texts to young people should not stray beyond sporting activities.

Do you have a concern?

If you’re concerned about possible child abuse or bad practice within a British Judo club, competition or any other judo environment then you should immediately contact:

Your Club Welfare Officer – The contact details of your club’s welfare officer should be clearly advertise at your club and on the club’s website.

or

British Judo Safeguarding Team – 0121 728 6920 (Ext: 223) or keith.eldridge@britishjudo.org.uk.