ONLINE SAFETY policy

Purpose Driven Youth
Date of Issue: September 2025
Review Date: September 2026

1. Introduction

At Purpose Driven Youth, we are committed to ensuring that all young people who engage with our mentoring and tutoring services do so in a safe, respectful, and supportive online environment. This policy outlines our approach to online safety and sets out our expectations for staff, volunteers, young people, and parents/carers.

We recognise the importance of digital safeguarding and take our responsibilities seriously, in line with relevant legislation and guidance, including:

  • The Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children

  • UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

  • Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) guidance

2. Aims

  • To promote a safe and responsible use of digital technology in all our online mentoring and tutoring activities.

  • To protect young people from potential risks, harm, or abuse online.

  • To ensure our staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities and act appropriately at all times.

  • To empower young people with the knowledge to stay safe online.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and young people who engage with Purpose Driven Youth services, whether via live video sessions, email, messaging platforms, online learning tools, or social media.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

  • Oversees implementation of this policy.

  • Provides training and support on online safety matters.

  • Responds to concerns or incidents reported.

Staff and Volunteers:

  • Must complete safeguarding and online safety training.

  • Should only communicate with young people via approved channels.

  • Must maintain professional boundaries at all times.

  • Report any concerns immediately to the DSL.

Young People:

  • Are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly online.

  • Must not share personal contact details or passwords.

  • Should report anything that makes them uncomfortable or unsafe.

Parents and Carers:

  • Are encouraged to be involved in their child’s online learning experience.

  • Should report concerns to the DSL or project lead.

5. Online Sessions (Mentoring & Tutoring)

All sessions delivered by Purpose Driven Youth will adhere to the following safeguards:

  • Conducted via approved, secure platforms (e.g. Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet).

  • Sessions will be scheduled in advance, with parent/carer awareness.

  • Group and 1-to-1 sessions must be recorded where appropriate, with consent.

  • At least one adult staff member should be aware of every live session taking place.

  • Mentors and tutors must work in appropriate settings and wear suitable attire.

6. Communication Standards

  • All communication should be professional, purposeful, and related to learning or mentoring.

  • No use of personal phone numbers or private social media accounts for interaction.

  • Emails and messages must be sent via organisational accounts only.

  • No contact should occur outside agreed hours.

7. Use of Social Media

Purpose Driven Youth maintains a professional social media presence to share updates and promote positive engagement.

  • Young people will not be contacted individually via social media.

  • Any photos or videos involving young people will only be posted with written consent from a parent or carer.

  • All content will be appropriate and in line with our values and safeguarding principles.

8. Risks and Responding to Incidents

Online risks may include:

  • Exposure to inappropriate content

  • Online bullying or harassment

  • Grooming or exploitation

  • Data breaches or privacy issues

All concerns or incidents must be reported immediately to the DSL. We will respond in line with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, which may involve referral to appropriate agencies such as social services or the police.

9. Training and Awareness

  • All staff and volunteers must complete annual online safety training.

  • Young people will be supported to understand digital risks and how to manage them.

  • Parents/carers will be signposted to reputable resources for keeping children safe online.

10. Review and Monitoring

This policy is reviewed annually or following any major incident or change in legislation. Staff, volunteers, and service users are invited to contribute to ongoing improvements in our online safety approach.

11. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Name: Michael Olarewaju
Email: dsl@purposedrivenyouth.co.uk
Phone: 073 5959 9827

Reviewed by: Michael Olarewaju, Safeguarding Lead
Approved by: Zoe Olarewaju, Director