CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

1. Introduction

This Child Protection Policy outlines Social Hackers Lab’s commitment to ensuring the safety, rights, and well-being of children and adolescents involved in its projects. It applies to all team members, volunteers, partners, service providers, and visitors, whether activities are conducted in person or online.

This policy aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, French law, and European best practices regarding child protection.

2. Commitments of Social Hackers Lab

Social Hackers Lab is committed to:

• Creating a safe, inclusive, and caring environment for all children and young people involved.

• Preventing all forms of violence, neglect, exploitation, or abuse.

• Promoting active participation of young people, valuing their voices, needs, and ideas.

• Ensuring continuous staff training on child protection issues.

• Appointing a Child Protection Officer within the organization.

• Managing risks associated with activities involving minors, particularly in digital environments.

3. Guiding Principles

• Best interests of the child: Priority is given to the safety, development, and rights of the child.

• Non-discrimination: Every child has the right to equal protection, regardless of gender, origin, disability, religion, or social status.

• Confidentiality: All child protection information is handled with discretion and responsibility.

• Collective responsibility: Every member of Social Hackers Lab is responsible for upholding this policy.

4. Code of Conduct

Members of Social Hackers Lab commit to:

• Treating every child with respect and dignity.

• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

• Never engaging in inappropriate physical or verbal contact with a child.

• Avoiding private communication with minors through unofficial channels (social media, personal messaging apps, etc.).

• Not offering personal gifts or money outside of defined frameworks.

• Immediately reporting any suspicious situation or inappropriate behavior.

5. Detection and Reporting of Abuse

In case of suspected abuse, maltreatment, or risk, the steps to follow are:

• Listen without judgment and objectively note the facts.

• Immediately report to the Child Protection Officer at Social Hackers Lab.

• In case of immediate danger: contact emergency services (17/112) or Child Welfare Services.

• A confidential written report must be submitted within 48 hours.

6. Recruitment and Training

• All employees, facilitators, and volunteers working with minors must provide a criminal record extract.

• Mandatory child protection training is provided regularly.

• Compliance with this policy is included in every contract or partnership agreement.

7. Secure Digital Environment

In its digital activities, Social Hackers Lab:

• Uses only secure platforms approved by the organization.

• Does not allow private exchanges between supervisors and children outside of defined settings.

• Always requires written parental consent for the publication of any images or voice recordings of minors.

8. Implementation and Monitoring

• An internal oversight committee is responsible for implementing, annually evaluating, and updating the policy.

• An annual report is presented at the general assembly.

• In case of non-compliance, disciplinary actions may be taken, including exclusion or reporting to authorities.

9. References and Useful Contacts

• Child Protection Officer: Sonia Omakhir

• In case of emergency: 119 – Child Protection Hotline / 17 – Police

• Contact email: sonia@socialhackerslab.com