Staying Safe Online in Figure Skating
In today’s digitally connected world, safety in online interactions has become paramount for athletes and figures in the figure skating community, particularly minors. U.S. Figure Skating is taking significant steps to mitigate potential risks through their SkateSafe® policies, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Know2Protect campaign.
The SkateSafe® policies stipulate that any electronic communication between an Adult Participant and a Minor Athlete must involve a second adult. This might be a parent, legal guardian, or another adult participant. This rule promotes transparency and accountability, critical factors in maintaining safe online interactions.
When it comes to communication, all emails, texts, direct messages, and live video meetings must be non-personal and public-facing. The focus must solely be on skating-related issues. Moreover, virtual interactions should occur in open settings using approved platforms, ensuring adherence to the Two-Deep Leadership policy.
On social media, the guidelines are equally strict. Adults and minors should not connect through private personal accounts. Instead, they are advised to communicate only via official pages, thereby avoiding any private or unmonitored interactions. Furthermore, posting images or videos of minor athletes requires written parental consent—a step businesses and organizations must prioritize.
As we celebrate Internet Safety Month this June, it’s an opportune moment to initiate discussions with youth regarding healthy online habits. The Know2Protect campaign runs from June through July, providing essential resources to promote safe digital engagements. This initiative includes materials tailored to help prevent online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA).
The campaign offers downloadable social media graphics, email banners, and educational resources tailored for parents and educators. Every child deserves a safe environment to flourish both in-person and online, making it crucial for everyone to participate in safeguarding our youth.
With alarming rates of online exploitation, the collaborative efforts of figure skating organizations and the Know2Protect campaign underscore the importance of staying vigilant and informed. By embracing these policies and educational resources, we contribute to a safer experience for all participants in the figure skating community.
