WDCRA Social Media and Online Platforms Policy Guidance
A policy guidance for social media and online platforms use for WDCRA’s channels and for individuals using social media and online platforms in a personal capacity as a representative of WDCRA.
This policy guidance will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, at least once a year. WDCRA will amend this policy, following Central Committee consultations where appropriate.
This policy guidance is intended for all WDCRA members and is recommended that all read it as it contains information that will help us adhere to good standards.
What is social media?
Social media is the collective term given to web-based tools and applications and any other online platform which enable users to create, share and interact with content (words, images, graphics and video content), as well as network with each other through the sharing of information, opinions, knowledge and common interests. Examples of social media platforms include, amongst others, Facebook, Whatsapp, YouTube, TikTok, other online platforms could be emails and websites.
Why do we use social media and what can we use it for?
Social media and online platforms help WDCRA members communicate. They allow us to share information, contribute to relevant conversations, and raise the profile of bell ringing.
Why do we need a social media policy?
Social media is a fast-moving online world, where nuance and context can be easily lost or misconstrued and information passed on. While social media and online communications are often very helpful and these days, necessary, they can also present risks. We want to ensure that all members using social media and online platforms represent and reflect WDCRA and bell ringing in the best way possible.
Whilst we encourage the use of social media and online communications to support our Association and bell ringing, we have important standards, outlined in this policy guidance, which everyone should observe and adhere to.
Responsibilities
All members are responsible for their compliance with this policy and guidance.
Participation in social media and online communications on behalf of WDCRA and bell ringing must be treated respectfully.
WDCRA appoint a Webmaster who maintains the Association website in consultation with the Central Committee.
Central Committee are all elected or appointed WDCRA members and consult throughout the year on Association wide matters and bring required information to the attention of the membership as appropriate. 2
Social media group/page/account managers (i.e. Tower WhatsApp group or Tower Facebook Page) should hand over ownership to another appropriate member if they relinquish their role, the same applies to Central Committee members and their WDCRA email contact addresses.
Code of conduct standards headlines. It is important to ensure that online communications are:
- Respectful and considerate to avoid causing harm or upset.
- Accurate. Check the detail.
- Authorised. Members must not post content about anyone else without their, or their guardian’s (if under 18), express permission. If using videos or photos that clearly identify a child or young person, members must ensure they have the consent of a parent or guardian before using them on social media or online.
- Privacy protected. Members should consider carefully what personal details they share of their own and always get permission before they share information of anyone else
- Checked for copyright. Ensure the information, content, music and images used are free to use and are not protected by copyright to another party.
- Posted using common sense and good judgements. Always pause and think before posting – once information is in the public domain it can be shared.
Under 18s and vulnerable people
When communicating with vulnerable or young people under 18 years old via social media or online platforms such as email, members should ensure the online relationship follows the same rules as offline (ie not one to one and more than one adult present) and ensure parental permission (for under 18’s).
It is recommended to liaise via the young person’s parent/ guardian, not with the young person direct when communicating on social media and when emailing. In the case of a Group WhatsApp, the parent/ guardian should also be a member so they see the messages too. If the parent gives permission to email their child, the parent should be cc’d in the communications.
Members should be aware that children under the age of 13 should not be encouraged to create their own personal social media accounts or engage with others and are not legally allowed to use social media channels such as Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram.
All members have a responsibility to do everything possible to ensure that vulnerable and young people are kept safe from harm. If they come across anything online that could mean someone is at risk, they should follow their parish and WDCRA safeguarding policies and guidance.
Know what to do if an issue arises
Sometimes issues can arise on social media or online platforms which can escalate into a compromising or crisis situation because they are sensitive or risk reputation. 3
The nature of social media and online communications means that information is visible to many and potential issues can escalate quickly.
If any member becomes aware of any comments or communications online that they think have the potential to escalate and be problem-some, whether on WDCRA’s social media channels or platforms or other bell ringing related channels or platforms, they should raise this immediately with an appropriate person with whom they feel comfortable to talk, such as their Tower Captain, Branch Master or Association Safeguarding Contact. Both parties should then seek to resolve the issue with support of other appropriate personnel, such as members of WDCRA Central Committee.
Version 1
Prepared by Di Awkati, WDCRA Safeguarding Lead
Approved by WDCRA Central Committee 16th November 2025