Communicating with Minors

For all College-Sponsored Programs, communications by Authorized Adults and other facilitating College employees with Minors is only allowed for the purpose of conducting Ithaca College business or otherwise furthering the Program-related objectives. The key safety concept is transparency.

The following steps will reduce the risk of private or otherwise inappropriate communication:

  1. Communication with a Minor that is outside the role of the Authorized Adult (or other facilitating College employee) in the College-Sponsored Program is strictly prohibited. Authorized Adults who use any form of electronic communications to communicate with Minors, including social media and text messaging, may only do so for activities involving College business and must use an Ithaca College address or site. Before any online communications are sent, the Program Director must first inform the Minor’s parent or legal guardian which Authorized Adults may communicate through the use of such electronic tools. The preferred approach is to include the parent/legal guardian.
  2. Authorized Adults must not “friend or follow” a Minor(s) on social networking sites or communicate send, share personal or intimate information with Minors, personally. Programs should not be designed to utilize any such prohibited methods of communication. Cyber harassment and online bullying is strictly prohibited.
  3. An Authorized Adult teaching a Virtual Online Course or Camp to a Minor(s) must involve a third party to monitor the session (e.g., a second Authorized Adult or the Minor’s parent/guardian).
  4. Refer to the College’s Technology Use Policies 2.10.