Social Media policy

£30.00

Use social media wisely and safely

Clear guidance for church communications across social media, messaging apps and digital platforms. Fully updated for October 2026.

Updated for October 2026

  • Aligned with the Charity Commission's guidance on charities and social media, and its rules on political comment, especially around elections

  • Age limits: why under-13s shouldn't be in church WhatsApp groups

  • Livestreaming: when you need a CCLI Streaming Licence as well as your copyright licence

  • Safe handling of harmful content, including what never to screenshot or forward, and where to report it

  • Guidance on using AI to create church content

Key Features

  • Content standards and tone

  • Account management and security

  • Safeguarding considerations

  • Messaging and WhatsApp guidance, including groups with under-18s

  • Crisis communications and copyright

  • Clear steps for reporting concerns and handling breaches

Why It Matters

One post can create legal, reputational or safeguarding risks. Many churches livestream services without the right licence, and a well-meant screenshot of harmful content can be a criminal offence.

Format

Editable Word document | Instant download

Use social media wisely and safely

Clear guidance for church communications across social media, messaging apps and digital platforms. Fully updated for October 2026.

Updated for October 2026

  • Aligned with the Charity Commission's guidance on charities and social media, and its rules on political comment, especially around elections

  • Age limits: why under-13s shouldn't be in church WhatsApp groups

  • Livestreaming: when you need a CCLI Streaming Licence as well as your copyright licence

  • Safe handling of harmful content, including what never to screenshot or forward, and where to report it

  • Guidance on using AI to create church content

Key Features

  • Content standards and tone

  • Account management and security

  • Safeguarding considerations

  • Messaging and WhatsApp guidance, including groups with under-18s

  • Crisis communications and copyright

  • Clear steps for reporting concerns and handling breaches

Why It Matters

One post can create legal, reputational or safeguarding risks. Many churches livestream services without the right licence, and a well-meant screenshot of harmful content can be a criminal offence.

Format

Editable Word document | Instant download