Play safe - Online
At the FA our approach to safeguarding – and our responsibility to keep children safe – applies to the online environment as much as to the offline world.
We know that teams, clubs, and leagues really benefit from online and digital technology. Whether communicating team results or a change of venue, promoting social events, or sharing coaching tips and skills to encourage and support new volunteers – it helps teams and clubs to run effectively and be better connected.
For clubs to benefit safely from the online environment, it is important they follow best practice in social media and technology use. Club officials, match officials and parents/carers involved in football should understand how their safeguarding responsibilities apply online.
We've shared key FA guidance on this below for clubs, players and parents/carers – as well as signposting to other useful sources of information on all aspects of digital safety and wellbeing. We will continue to share advice and good practice on online safety in our training, guidance and communications.
Safer Internet Day - 10 February 2026
This year the Safer Internet Day (SID) theme is ‘Smart tech’, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’. Held annually in February, SID aims to promote safer, more responsible online behaviour, especially for children and young people.
Schools will play a key role in raising awareness and supporting conversations about AI. From looking at voice assistants and chatbots, to exploring ethical considerations in responsible use of AI technology there are resources for assemblies and classroom activity.
As more children and young people hear about and use AI online, it’s important they have the skills and confidence to make safe choices when they are using smart technology.
So how can clubs get involved?
Sue Ravenlaw, FA Head of Safeguarding, said: “Clubs can help by ensuring all club and team officials are aware of what’s appropriate and what’s not when communicating online. If they haven’t done so already clubs can access our guidance here
"Hosting the SID links via club social media platforms and pledging your club’s support for SID 2026 will go a long way in helping to raise awareness and share access to the resources on offer. We’d specifically recommend reaching out to parents and asking them to take a few minutes to consider the informative ‘top tips for parents’.
"Remember - Small Talk Is Bigger Than You Think.”
SID 2026 aims to explore the impact of AI on all of our lives, looking at how AI can be used for good, and giving advice and guidance that empowers people to use AI safely and responsibly.
So let’s all be part of the conversation, check out the resources available and register your support:
