Email can be effective way to help help remind young people about the sport and activity sessions that they may have signed up to, and promote additional activities. The significant benefit of text messaging is that it is not only cheap, but it is one of the most direct forms of communication as most young people have mobile phones with Email "Apps" as well as computer access (either at home or in Internet Cafes).
It is therefore hoped that email messaging will help to
For children and young people the safeguarding risks associated with emailing include
For adults involved risks include
The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) has provided guidelines to ensure that effective safeguarding measures can be put in place to protect children and young people and to minimise the risk. Click here to access Guidelines on Email Young People.
It should be noted that sending out group email (ie to more than one person) does present fewer opportunities for misuse and abuse than tht sent to an indivisual. Personal emails between young people and coaches/ volunteers should be discouraged in case there is misinterpretation of intent or content.