1. Purpose

This policy aims to ensure the safe and appropriate use of mobile phones within our club environment, particularly
when working with children and young people.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all players, coaches, volunteers, parents/carers, and visitors involved in club activities.

3. General Principles

• Mobile phones must be used responsibly and respectfully at all times.
• The welfare of children and young people is the club’s paramount concern.
• The club promotes a safe, inclusive, and focused environment for training and matches.

4. Guidelines for Coaches and Volunteers

• Do not use personal mobile phones to communicate directly with under-18s. Use club-approved communication
  channels (e.g., official email, team apps).
• Phones should be switched off or on silent during training sessions and matches unless in an emergency or for
  coaching purposes.

5. Guidelines for Players

• Players should not use mobile phones during training or matches unless given permission by a coach.
• Bullying, harassment, or inappropriate messaging via mobile phones will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.
• Players must not take or share images or videos of others without consent.

6. Guidelines for Parents and Carers

• Parents are encouraged to support this policy by limiting mobile phone use during sessions and matches.
• Any concerns about mobile phone use should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer.

7. Safeguarding and Reporting

• Any misuse of mobile phones that may pose a safeguarding risk must be reported immediately to the Club Welfare Officer (Lucy Berwick or Jemma Weller-Bryan – jbfc-welfare@outlook.com) or the FA Safeguarding Team.
• The club will take appropriate action in line with its disciplinary procedures.

8. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in FA guidance or safeguarding legislation