To protect children and staff, it is imperative that everyone understands the potential danger of social media and other online platforms. All staff and pupils should understand the following:
- No staff member can use their personal technology to upload images to Northern Ballet’s website or social networking pages.
- Images / video should never be taken on a staff members’ personal device. Images and video can only be taken with Northern Ballet technology / devices.
- It is against Company policy to become a ‘friend’ or ‘follower’ of a child on a social networking site or any ex-student under the age of 18. Current staff will be reminded each year.
- Company dancers who have a professional profile on Social Media should not ‘follow’ any students who ‘follow’ their professional page.
- Students are advised to not follow the dancers on social media platforms.
- No staff member should request access to a pupil’s ‘page’ on a social networking site, nor should they permit pupil access to their ‘page’.
- The Academy of Northern Ballet has a Facebook page and Instagram page that students can ‘follow’ or ‘like’, once they have reached the permitted age for the platform.
- The Academy of Northern Ballet will never directly link a student in status updates or posts.
- Staff who work directly with students are encouraged to have a private profile on social media.
- If a child discloses a concern to you regarding social media, then staff should report this to a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- If a child or guardian has a concern about social media in relation to Northern Ballet or a member of its’ staff, they should report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.