Child Protection Policy of the Finnish Society on Media Education

The child protection policy of the Finnish Society on Media Education (Mediakasvatusseura) is available in both Finnish and English. You can find the Finnish version here: Mediakasvatusseuran lastensuojelusuunnitelma

This policy was updated and approved in April 2025.

Mediakasvatusseura adheres to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which ensures every child’s right to equality, safety, health, and education. The organization is committed to protecting all children regardless of ability, ethnic background, religion or gender, sexuality, culture, or socio-economic status. Mediakasvatusseura promotes children’s well-being and growth, a balanced media life, and a good life overall.

While Mediakasvatusseura primarily works with adults over the age of 18, it also occasionally engages with individuals under 18. The purpose of this child protection policy is to minimize the risk of harm to children and to ensure their safety is sufficiently considered. The goal is to prevent risks and to identify how to respond appropriately to any harm that may affect children.

The policy is updated as needed in cooperation with staff and the board of Mediakasvatusseura and is approved by the board. The child protection policy and its practices apply to all employees.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY:

Recruitment

Job announcements specify if the selected candidate must present an extract from the criminal records as defined in section 6 §:n 2 of the Criminal Records Act. The employer only requests the extract from the person selected for the position.

A person who starts working with minors in their studies, employment or volunteer work needs an extract from their criminal record. This practice is intended to protect minors. The extract can be ordered via the electronic services of the Legal Register Centre (LRC). The extract is valid for 6 months.

There are three types of extracts:

Employee’s extract (ordered by the employee)
Student’s extract (ordered by the student)
Volunteer position extract (ordered by the organizer)

The extract must be submitted before beginning the position. More info in English.
Law on the Criminal Background Checks for Those Working with Children (in Finnish): 504/2002

Procedures and Guidelines for Staff

Mediakasvatusseura generally works with groups of children in schools, youth centers, camps, or events—often alongside the group’s own adult supervisor. The content and nature of activities are agreed upon in advance with the school, educational institution, or other relevant party.

During public events (e.g., fairs), under-18s may be present. In these cases, special care must be taken regarding data collection and communication practices.

Some under-18s may participate as interns or work experience students. In these cases, the contact person is the representative from the school or institution. The intern always works together with a Mediakasvatusseura staff member.

All employees, including volunteers and interns, must familiarize themselves with the child protection policy, understand its purpose, know how to act in different situations, and be aware of their responsibility in prevention and response. Staff are briefed and required to sign separate rules of conduct acknowledging their responsibility for the safety and well-being of children and youth involved in Mediakasvatusseura’s activities. These rules outline acceptable and unacceptable behavior when working with minors. All paid and unpaid staff are expected to follow these guidelines, both in physical and online interactions.

Responsibility and Reporting

The board of Mediakasvatusseura is responsible for ensuring the policy is up-to-date. The Executive Director ensures the implementation of the child protection plan and addresses any violations or serious incidents together with the staff member and, if necessary, the board.

If a staff member notices harm, inappropriate behavior, threats to well-being, or abuse directed at a child—whether from another child or an adult—the staff member must make a preliminary assessment of the situation on a case-by-case basis. The employee should evaluate the urgency of the situation and necessary actions, and, if needed, consult with the Executive Director of the Finnish Society on Media Education and relevant partners on how to proceed. The aim is to resolve the situation as quickly as possible together with those involved, but if necessary, the matter may require the involvement of the authorities. In such cases, appropriate action can be taken as required, and efforts can be made to prevent similar situations in the future.

If a staff member behaves inappropriately or against the guidelines, the Executive Director—and, if necessary, the board—will take immediate action according to the seriousness of the situation.

All incidents must be reported in writing to the Executive Director and, if necessary, the board and partner organizations. The report must include: what happened, when, who was involved, and how the issue has been addressed. The Executive Director and board will evaluate follow-up actions and whether the child protection plan needs to be revised.

Data Collection

Children over the age of 15 can decide for themselves whether to participate in surveys or research. According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to make decisions about matters that concern them, according to their level of development and understanding. Children who are capable of forming their own views must be allowed to express those views freely in all matters affecting them.

Even in such cases, parents or guardians must be informed about the research or survey. If personal data is collected from children under the age of 15, parental consent is required. The consent must specify what data is collected, for what purpose, when, where the data is stored, how long it will be kept, and whether the child can be identified. Only data essential for the activity is collected.

Communication

As a rule, underage children are not interviewed or photographed for communication purposes at public events or Mediakasvatusseura’s own activities unless specific agreements have been made with the partner organization and parents.

Communication with children and youth under 18 usually takes place via partner organizations. An exception is internship applications, in which case the applicant contacts Mediakasvatusseura directly. Any internship or volunteer agreement is made with the relevant school, institution, or other entity.

Training and Evaluation

The policy is regularly reviewed with staff and the board. At the same time, the need for updates or related training is assessed. Training needs may arise due to changes in legislation or regulations, evolving media environments, or the start of new projects or hiring of new staff.