Advice for Children
• If you are worried or upset about something that's been posted about you, or by texts
you receive from other juniors or adults involved with the club, raise this with your
Club Welfare Officer. Alternatively contact your National Governing Body Lead
Safeguarding Officer (England Golf 01526 351824). Do not suffer alone. You will
be listened to and your concerns will be taken seriously.
• If you want to talk to someone anonymously, call Childline on 0800 1111, or contact
them on the web at www.childline.org.uk. You can also call the NSPCC on 0808
800 5000.
Advice for Parents
• Make yourself knowledgeable about social networking platforms and how they work.
• Go on the internet with your child and agree what sites are acceptable to visit.
Regularly check that they are staying within the agreed limits.
• Encourage your child to talk to you about what they have been doing on the internet.
• Make sure they feel able to speak to you if they ever feel uncomfortable, upset or
threatened by anything they see online.
• Encourage children to look out for each other when they're online. Explain that it's all
part of staying safe and having fun together.
• Explain to children that it's not safe to reveal personal information, such as their name,
address or phone number on the internet. Encourage them to use a cool nickname
rather than their own name.
• Attachments and links in emails can contain viruses and may expose children and
young people to inappropriate material. Teach children to only open attachments or
click on links from people they know.
Further Advice for Parents of Young Golfers
• If you are concerned about any texts, social networking posts or any other use of
communication technology by members of the golf club, volunteers or members of
staff, raise this with the Club Welfare Officer. They will look into the matter and take
appropriate action. Alternatively contact England Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer
Tel 01526 351824.
• In addition to reporting concerns to England Golf (National Governing Body), you
should immediately report possible online abuse to the Child Exploitation and Online
Protection Centre (CEOP) or the police. Law enforcement agencies and the internet
service provider may need to take urgent steps to locate a child and/or remove the
content from the internet. Where a young person may be in immediate danger, dial
999.
• Do not post/send negative or critical comments or messages about other children in
the club, staff or volunteers. If you have concerns about a person, these should
be raised using appropriate channels within the club and not using social media.
• If you wish to speak to an external organisation for advice, you can contact the NSPCC
helpline on 0808 800 5000.