Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger can be invaluable.  However, it is vital to ensure you have some good practice guidelines in place. For a start, ensure they are aligned and interlinked with your Safeguarding Policy.

Here is a best practice guide for using WhatsApp, which can be adapted for other services:

Group Purpose & Clarity:

Clearly define the group’s purpose (e.g. announcements, prayer requests, event updates).

Set expectations in the group description or pinned message.

Privacy & Consent:

Always get explicit consent before adding someone.

Be aware that WhatsApp reveals phone numbers and profile photos to all members.

Regularly review the member list and remove inactive or inappropriate contacts.

Respect Privacy:

Do not share sensitive personal details or information not relevant to the group's purpose.

Be Mindful of Content:

Remember that anything shared online can become public; be cautious about sharing content that could be misconstrued or taken out of context. Encourage respectful, relevant, and uplifting messages.

Discourage spam, forwarded chain messages, or off-topic debates.

For announcement-only groups, consider admin-only posting.

Be Professional:

Use clear, unambiguous language and avoid abbreviations or 'Church' jargon that could be misinterpreted.

Know the Risks:

Be aware of increased risks of phone fraud and scams, and avoid sharing financial or sensitive information.

Document Everything:

Keep records of consent forms and conversations for transparency and to provide evidence when required.

Stay Informed:

Check for annual reviews of the social media policy and any updates from the diocese or church leadership.

Be Proactive:

Report inappropriate comments or suspicious activity to your Safeguarding Officer or other church leaders.

Admin Responsibilities

Have at least two admins to share oversight and accountability.

Monitor group activity and intervene if necessary.

Be available to respond to concerns or inappropriate content.

For Communication with Children and Young People:

Obtain Explicit Consent:

Get written consent from parents/guardians to add their child to a WhatsApp group and to use their contact number.

Use a Non-Personal Number:

Use a church-issued mobile or dedicated ministry account instead of a personal phone number.

Minimum Two Leaders:

Ensure a minimum of two leaders are in any group chat with young people or a similar number of parents/guardians for monitoring.

Parental Knowledge:

Inform parents about the group's purpose and what is being communicated.

Avoid One-to-One Communication:

Where possible, avoid direct, private conversations with children or vulnerable adults to prevent misunderstandings and maintain transparency.

Set to Private and Group-Only:

Configure a WhatsApp group as private and only accept members from the intended youth or church group.