How children's information is handled and how BGC intends to keep young people safe online.
Approved by Blessed Generation Church.
Version 0.1 · Effective date: To be confirmed
Parent and guardian managed by design
Blessed Children is designed as a parent or guardian managed experience. The app does not set out to collect personal information directly from young children. A parent or legal guardian creates and manages a child's profile and gives the permissions that are needed.
Children's information under POPIA
The Protection of Personal Information Act places specific restrictions on processing the personal information of a child. The app is structured so that a parent or guardian confirmation step comes first, only necessary information is requested, and each permission is given separately.
What is asked for, and why
- The child's first name, so leaders can welcome and register them
- The child's age group and ministry group, so the child joins the right group
- Any medical or allergy note the parent chooses to share for the child's safety
- An emergency contact for the parent or guardian
Who can see it
Authorised children's ministry leaders and church administrators who need the information for the child's participation and safety.
When the parent or guardian is signed in, the child's profile is saved to their account. If they are not signed in, it stays on that device only and is not sent to BGC.
Photography and media
Photography and media consent is asked for separately and is never assumed or pre selected. A parent or guardian may choose where images may be used and may change that choice later.
Members, including children and young people, cannot upload photographs or videos in the app. Photographs shown in the app are uploaded only by authorised church staff.
Youth safeguarding
Blessed Youth includes members who are minors. The app does not provide private messaging between members. Any future youth communication feature must be designed around safeguarding, authorised ministry roles, appropriate visibility and parent or guardian awareness.
Raising a safeguarding concern
Any concern about the safety of a child or a vulnerable person should be raised with the church directly, and with the relevant authorities where a child may be at risk. The in-app report form is reviewed by church administrators and is not monitored around the clock or an emergency service. The reporting and escalation owner must be confirmed by BGC.