SOCIAL MEDIA – GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

Last Updated: 02.05.2025

It is increasingly common that athletes of all ages are using social media to connect with each other during and between fencing events.

Social media can play a really important role in creating and maintaining friendships, connecting people in sport and building team spirit.

The vast majority of members use social media sensibly and in accordance with our codes of conduct, but occasionally some behaviours step outside what we would expect. There are also enhanced behavioural expectations on those fencers who represent GBR internationally.

Young fencers need particular help and support to navigate the benefits and risks of using social media to connect with the fencing community.

Other than the risks around safeguarding and the possibility of disciplinary action, we are also concerned about the ‘digital footprint’ that young fencers and their parents unknowingly leave on social media. Digital footprints have the potential to create challenges for young people as they grow older, particularly if their future career (sporting or otherwise) puts them in the public spotlight. It’s not just the brand of the sport we are looking to protect!

As part of the GBR Pathway Programme we will be educating athletes, but increasingly young fencers have already established themselves and patterns of behaviour on social media prior to being invited to join programme.

Therefore we need the help of all parents of young fencers to guide their children toward using social media safely, kindly, and responsibly.

1. Delay and Supervise Early Use

• Wait until age-appropriate: Most platforms are designed for ages 13+, based on privacy laws and maturity levels.
• Use child-friendly platforms if early access is necessary, and supervise closely.
• Keep passwords and accounts shared with you at early stages.
• Use tools like parental controls, combining them with trust-building conversations.

2. Focus on Values, Not Just Rules

• British Fencing’s values are Honesty, Respect and Excellence. The BF values extend beyond the salle or the piste – and we encourage young fencers to consider how these should be reflected and upheld in their Social Media interactions.
• Encourage your child to ask themselves:
  • Is it kind?
  • Is it true?
  • Would I say this face-to-face?
• Discuss empathy, respect, and the impact of words and images online.
• For those fencers who are looking towards a GBR representative future, encourage them to read Call It Attitude and reflect on the underlying qualities that make up an effective athlete mindset.

3. Make sure they know the reporting options

• Remind them of the options available to them if they see or experience something upsetting or inappropriate. It can be difficult for young people to speak up and when they do they should feel believed and supported and that they have done the right thing.
• We would always recommend that young fencers report straight to a parent or guardian, who in turn can use a variety of mechanisms (CONTACT US) to report to BF if appropriate.
• If a situation arises during a competition or camp where parents are not attending, we recommending reporting to the welfare officer or team manager.

5. Keep the Conversation Open

• Talk regularly about their online experiences—what they enjoy, what they find confusing, or what makes them uncomfortable.
• Reassure them they won’t be punished for asking questions or reporting issues.

6. Set Boundaries for Sharing

• Remind your child:
  • Never to share personal information, passwords, or location
  • Not to post photos or videos of others without permission.
  • To think before posting: once online, it’s permanent.
  • Don’t let others use your login – or use other people’s logins to message/post.
• Also be conscious of what you share about your child and others.

7. Address Mistakes with Compassion

• If your child makes a mistake online, use it as a learning opportunity.
• Guide them to take responsibility, apologise if needed, and reflect on what they can do differently next time.

8. Promote Digital Kindness

• Encourage your child to stand up against online bullying.
• Praise acts of kindness they show online—comments, sharing positive content, or supporting a friend.

More advice and information for parents can be found here:

• Online safety | Childline