10 tips for safeguarding children during online workshops
Running a club remotely (via video) is different from face to face for many reasons. Here the key things you need to consider if you’re planning to run an online Design Club
Although after school and weekend Design Clubs are currently paused, we’re happy to support any existing mentors who’d like to run a club online.
Running a Design Club remotely is different from face to face for many reasons. Our awesome mentor Bianca Hollis has written three posts about running a club online (planning, delivery and next steps).
Bianca has talked in detail about the technical and creative challenges of running a club online. There’s a third set of challenges around keeping children safe online. Here are 10 key things you can do.
Prior to the workshops
1. Read our safeguarding policy
If you already have a DBS certificate, you should be aware of safeguarding, and how to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are protected during general learning activities. For details, see our safeguarding policy.
2. Get a DBS check
In the UK, all volunteers working with children need an enhanced DBS certificate. If you don’t already have one, you can apply for one free of charge by registering as a STEM Ambassador. As part of the sign-up process, you’ll need to watch a series of short safeguarding videos. The application process can take a few weeks so it’s a good idea to apply well in advance of when you want to deliver your online club.
3. Get full parental consent
Before your first online session, outline to parents/ carers exactly what you plan to do. Make sure you have full parental consent for all participating children before starting your club. Let them know:
- the technology you’ll be using
- how it will work
- the material you’ll cover
- overall aim(s) of the sessions
- if you plan to record the session or take screenshots
This last point is especially important: get explicit written consent if you plan to take any recordings or screenshots, especially if you plan to share them (eg. on your website or social media).
Setting up
4. Request parent sign-in
Ask a parent/ carer to sign in to each session. It’s generally easier to have them deal with logistics. Especially as children shouldn’t have access to your email address or phone number (see below). If children need to set up an account to join your sessions, ask a parent/ carer to do this. Certain platforms (eg YouTube) requires users to be 13 or over before opening an account.
5. Recommend a parent/ carer be present
Children should join online sessions in an open part of the house or in a room with the door open.
6. Have at least two adults supporting the sessions
All mentors need another adult to be present at all times. Ideally, you’ll know another Design Club mentor who’ll be happy to co-mentor with with you. Alternatively, a parent/ carer can be asked to support your sessions.
During each workshop
7. Avoid direct contact
It’s important to avoid one to one contact. Don’t allow any direct messaging during your workshops — keep all messages in the open chat where everyone can see them. Don’t share any personal information (eg: social media handles, email or phone number). Be aware of privacy settings.
8. Always use appropriate language
Use age appropriate language and wear appropriate clothes (eg: be especially aware of images and wording on t-shirts). Make sure you’re seated in a neutral area where nothing inappropriate can be seen or heard in the background.
9. Set clear guidelines from the onset
Let your students know how they can ask a question or make a comment. Tell them how you’d like everyone to behave during the club — that it’s not ok to swear, etc.
10. Know how to remove children if behaving inappropriately
Last but not least, think about what you might do if you’re working with a group of children, and one of them makes it difficult for you (or others) to continue. Decide on a process to let that child know their behaviour is not welcome and establish what your boundaries are going to be. Let children and parents know what the process is.
Good luck in running your club! I hope these tips are useful and will help you run a great online club in a way that’s enjoyable and productive for all involved. Any questions or comments please email us.
