Youth Ministry E-Communication Policy

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Youth ministry practitioners walk the fine line between the role of an adult/authority figure and being a friend to the young people they work with.  Electronic communication now plays a major role in building and deepening relationships, allowing youth workers to connect with young people and encourage them in their faith outside of programmed events.  However there are dangers and potential risks that electronic communication brings and different ways in which abuse can take place.  The following guidelines have been developed to safeguard these relationships, aiming to maintain the safety and integrity of all parties involved.

  1.  Youth ministry workers may not transmit any content that is illicit, unsavoury, abusive, pornographic, discriminatory, harassing, or disrespectful when communicating with each other or with minors involved in ministry activities.
  2. Youth ministry workers must always be careful with publically written communication, that it cannot be misinterpreted by a minor in any negative way.  Also be mindful that all communication can be reposted easily, so be willing for everything you write to be made public.
  3. Do not seek to ‘friend’ young people on social media sites who you do not know and do not accept friendships from young people you don’t know.
  4. Always keep a log of any communication with a minor, such as emails, text messages or social media to safeguard against wrongful allegations.  If communication is taking place, youth ministry workers must be willing to allow the head leader access to this at any time.  Be especially aware of your language and ‘in talk’ so that parents looking on might not misinterpret your communication.
  5. All communication with minors of the opposite sex shall be kept to a public space.
  6. Never be involved with publically posted arguments.  Communicate privately with those you are concerned with in a loving, grace filled manner.  This includes arguments of a religious nature that have moved from discussion to hatred.  Always be mindful of being the online police and chose your interaction carefully.
  7. Know your limits in communicating with a minor who is sharing harmful information.  Direct them to professional help through your head leader for areas of self-abuse, mental illness or suicide.  Any divulging of illegal activities (done by the minor or to them) must be reported to your head leader immediately so they can pass these details on to authorities where necessary.
  8. Except in an emergency situation, youth workers may not transfer personal information of a young person to any other parties or make this information available in the public domain.
  9. Photos that depict individual minors shall not be posted publically unless prior written parental permission has been obtained.
  10. Social media sites have the potential to become addictive to some people, be mindful of your usage time and allow others to keep you accountable for over use.
  11. Youth ministry workers will discourage young people from using mobile phones during ministry program times, except in an emergency or where approved by a leader.
  12. Youth ministry workers who become aware of possible child abuse through electronic media must immediately notify their head leader. This will then be reported to the local authorities (police or DoCS) as per ChildSafe protocols.
  13. All appropriate road rules must be adhered to regarding mobile phone usage while driving.
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myYouthLeader is a community of people involved in Christian youth ministry … in churches, schools and the community. Our goal is to connect like-minded people and facilitate the sharing of inspiration, resources and to support each other. We are Australian focused and inter-denominational. We will also offer access to some specialist services such as coaching, training and more.

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