Young Person Code of Conduct

Expectations

Children and young people are expected to:

1. Welcome New Members: Be friendly and welcoming to new members.
2. Report Concerns: Report inappropriate behavior or risky situations to a trusted adult.
3. Show Respect:
   1. Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all participants, regardless of age, gender, ability, social class, race, cultural background, religious beliefs, or sexual identity.
   2. Respect personal boundaries, including physical space.
   3. Respect property: Take care of the group’s equipment and respect the property of other members.
4. Respect Leaders and Helpers: Show respect to group leaders and helpers and accept their decisions.
5. Create a Fun and supportive Environment:
   1. Help make the group a fun place.
   2. Be supportive of other group members, offering comfort when needed;
   3. Give friends a second chance when they make mistakes.
   4. Include everyone in activities and avoid exclusionary behaviour.
6. Ensure Safety:
   1. Actively contribute to keeping yourself and others safe
   2. Avoid dangerous play
   3. Do not leave the premises
   4. Do not run inside
   5. Do not be alone with another child or helper
7. Avoid Aggression:
   1. Do not engage in violent or aggressive behaviour.
   2. Do not bully others, including online bullying.
   3. Avoid bad language and offensive references.
8. Avoid Harmful Substances: Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or take non-prescribed or illegal drugs on Church premises or at Church-related events.
9. Participate Actively: Participate actively and put effort into all activities.

 Rights

Children and young people have the right to:

1. Safety and Happiness: Be safe and happy in their chosen activity.
2. Respect and Fair Treatment: Be respected and treated fairly.
3. Equal Participation: Participate equally with other children and young people.
4. Protection from Abuse: Be protected from abuse by other members or outside sources.
5. Seek Help: Ask for help when needed.
6. Be Heard and Believed: Be listened to and have their concerns believed.
7. Appropriate Action: Have concerns taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.
8. Be referred to professional help if needed.
9. Feedback: Provide feedback about activities and their experiences.

Addressing Misbehavior

Handling Minor Misdemeanors and General Misbehavior:

• The group leader will address minor misdemeanours and general misbehaviour.
• If a child violates the Code of Conduct, we may – as a last resort – need to call a parent or an adult designated by the parent to collect the child from the activity.