The number of fitness businesses using social media websites to attract and engage with their clients has substantially increased over the last decade (1) and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic (2).
While the social media websites have their own terms and conditions for user safety, data protection and privacy, it is important for businesses to understand their duty of care to ensure a safe and secure online environment for their users.
Below is a list of most important risk management strategies for fitness businesses using social media websites:
1. Set a company policy for social media use by all staff members representing the company.
2. The social media policy should outline rules governing use of personal and company social media sites.
3. The social media policy should include terms for how to use copyrighted materials.
4. Client pictures or videos should not be posted online without their written consent. Parental or guardian consent should be obtained if the client is a minor under the age of 18.
5. The pictures or videos of clients posted online should be possible to be removed upon their request. However, the clients need to be made aware that once a photo or video is shared publicly, you may not be able to remove all photos from the worldwide web including photos shared by third parties and saved on personal mobile devices.
6. Moderate user generated content on company social media sites and remove content that can be misleading or breaches company code of conduct.
7. Avoid posting information online that makes false claims or promises that can be considered deceptive or misleading advertising.
8. Regularly update social media website passwords and contact information to minimise the risk of unauthorised access or use by cyber criminals.
Contact FIRMC® for specialised risk management advice in developing or revising your social media policy and procedures.
References:
1. Yellow. (2018). Yellow social media report 2018 – Businesses. Retrieved from https://www.yellow.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Yellow-Social-Media-Report-2018-Businesses.pdf
2. Fitness Australia. (2020). COVID-19 Fitness industry impact report. Retrieved from https://bp-fitnessaustralia-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/uploaded_file/file/472634/COVID-19_Fitness_Industry_Impact_report_F.pdf