Moonshot Pirates Foundation – Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy

Last Updated: April 30, 2025

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Introduction and Purpose

Moonshot Pirates Foundation is unwavering in our commitment to the safety, well-being, and dignity of all young people involved in our programs. This Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy (“Safeguarding Policy”) outlines our approach to ensure that every participant, especially those under 18 years of age, is protected from abuse, exploitation, and neglect in the context of Moonshot Pirates activities. We believe that creating a safe and nurturing environment for children and young people is essential – one where they are treated with respect, their rights are protected, and they can form trusting relationships and be supported to achieve their potential.

The purpose of this Policy is to:

Clearly state our zero-tolerance stance on any form of child abuse or harm.
Define the roles and responsibilities of Moonshot Pirates staff, volunteers, mentors, partners, and participants in safeguarding youth.
Provide guidelines for safe interactions and conduct to prevent any risk of harm.
Establish procedures for reporting and responding to any concerns or incidents involving the safety of minors.

This Policy aligns with international standards (including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) and local laws on child protection. It is not a stand-alone document; it should be read in conjunction with our Terms & Conditions (which set participant behavior expectations) and our Privacy Policy (which covers protection of personal data, including that of minors). All Moonshot Pirates representatives are required to comply with this Policy at all times, and by participating in our programs, you agree to uphold these principles.

Scope and Definitions

This Safeguarding Policy applies to:

All Moonshot Pirates staff and core team members, whether full-time, part-time, or contractors.
Volunteers, mentors, coaches, judges, and ambassadors who interact with youth through Moonshot Pirates programs (online or offline).
Partner organizations or sponsors’ representatives when they are engaged in Moonshot Pirates activities with direct contact with participants.
Participants of our programs, both minors and those 18 or older, in terms of following codes of conduct towards each other (peer-to-peer respect and anti-bullying).
Third-party service providers who may come into contact with youth in the course of delivering a service (e.g., event photographers, transport staff arranged by us) – we expect all such providers to adhere to our standards or equivalent child protection policies of their own.

For the purposes of this Policy, key terms are defined as:

Child: Anyone under the age of 18 years old, regardless of local laws’ definition of adulthood. Even if the age of majority is lower in a country, we treat all under-18 participants as children in terms of protection needs.
Young Person/Youth: In our context, typically anyone between the ages of 18 to 24. While legally adults, young persons in our programs are often still in a transitional stage – we include them in many of our positive youth development practices. However, this Policy primarily provides specific protections for those under 18 (children).
Safeguarding: The broad term encompassing all the actions we take to ensure the safety and well-being of children – preventing harm, protecting their rights, and creating a safe environment. It includes child protection (preventing and responding to actual instances of abuse) as a subset.
Child Abuse: For the purposes of this Policy, child abuse includes any form of physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child. Abuse can occur through direct actions or through failure to act (omission) to protect a child. It can be perpetrated by adults or by other youth (peer-on-peer abuse). Abuse results in, or is likely to result in, harm to the child’s health, well-being, dignity, or development. (See below for more detailed examples of each type.)
Child Exploitation: Taking advantage of a child for one’s own benefit in a way that is detrimental to the child. This includes sexual exploitation (such as involving a child in prostitution or pornography) and economic exploitation (like child labor that is harmful).
Neglect: The failure to provide for a child’s basic needs (physical, emotional, education, medical) to an extent that it endangers their well-being or development. This could be relevant in contexts like an event where a caregiver or responsible adult fails to ensure a child’s safety.
Safeguarding Focal Person/Officer: A designated individual in our organization responsible for coordinating and overseeing child protection efforts. This person (or team) is the primary point of contact for reporting concerns and is trained to handle such issues. (At Moonshot Pirates, we have at least one Safeguarding Officer, as named in the Contacts section.)

All forms of abuse as defined above are unacceptable in Moonshot Pirates settings. A child’s age, disability status, gender, racial or ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, does not reduce his or her right to protection from harm. We will ensure that this Policy is applied equitably and sensitively, considering the best interests of the child as paramount.

Guiding Principles

Moonshot Pirates’ approach to safeguarding is guided by the following core principles:

Best Interests of the Child: In every action concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be the primary consideration. This principle (from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) means that the safety and healthy development of the young person come before other considerations. For example, if a certain media activity could embarrass or psychologically harm a minor, we will avoid it, even if it benefits our publicity, because the child’s well-being comes first.
Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse: We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse or exploitation. Allegations or concerns will always be taken seriously, and response will be swift and robust. “Zero tolerance” also means we are committed to act on every report, even if it’s about behavior outside our programs (if it involves our personnel or affecting our participants). There is no situation in which it is acceptable to ignore or cover up child abuse.
Shared Responsibility: Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility – not just those who work directly with youth. All members of our community (staff, volunteers, participants, etc.) have a role to play in preventing harm. Those in leadership positions have particular duties to create safe systems, but we foster a culture where anyone can speak up and is expected to adhere to safe practices.
Awareness and Training: We commit to educating and equipping our team and volunteers to understand child protection issues. Training will be provided so that everyone knows how to identify potential signs of abuse and how to respond appropriately. Likewise, participants will be made aware (in an age-appropriate way) of their right to be safe and how to seek help if needed.
Prevention First: While we have procedures to respond to incidents, a major focus is on prevention. By establishing clear conduct guidelines (see Code of Conduct below), carefully selecting and screening those who work with youth, and maintaining open lines of communication, we aim to minimize the risk of any harm occurring in the first place.
Confidentiality and Respect: We handle all safeguarding matters with confidentiality and sensitivity. Information about concerns or incidents is shared on a “need to know” basis only, in order to protect privacy while allowing effective action. The child’s privacy and dignity are respected throughout any process, as is the privacy of anyone accused (with presumption of innocence during investigation). However, confidentiality does not mean secrecy – we will share information appropriately with authorities or caregivers if that is necessary to protect a child.
Continuous Improvement: We will regularly review and update our safeguarding practices and this Policy to incorporate lessons learned and evolving best practices. Feedback from youth and stakeholders is encouraged to help improve our approach. Safeguarding is not a one-time checkbox but an ongoing effort.

By adhering to these principles, we strive to create an environment where youth feel safe to explore, learn, and innovate – free from abuse or fear of harm.

Code of Conduct for Safeguarding

All adults (and older youth in positions of responsibility) in Moonshot Pirates programs must abide by the following Code of Conduct when interacting with minors. These rules are designed to protect participants and also to protect mentors/staff from false allegations. Violation of this code will result in disciplinary action and possibly referral to authorities.

DO:

Be a Positive Role Model: Demonstrate behavior you wish to see – showing respect, patience, and encouragement toward young people. Use positive reinforcement and praise rather than criticism or comparison.
Respect Boundaries: Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with children. Only touch a child when necessary and appropriate (e.g., a handshake, high-five, or comforting pat on shoulder) and always in a way that is not intrusive or unwelcome. Respect a child’s right to personal space.
Use Appropriate Language: Speak to youth in a friendly, yet appropriate manner. No swearing, no sexual or explicit jokes, and no belittling or shaming language. Listen to their opinions and concerns.
Ensure Visibility: As a rule, avoid being alone with a minor out of sight of others. Whenever possible, have at least two adults present or make sure interactions are observable (e.g., keep a door open, meet in a public area). In an online setting, include more than two people on calls, or if one-on-one, get guardian consent and perhaps record the session for transparency (with their knowledge). This protects the child and you.
Obtain Consent for Media: As outlined in our Terms, if you want to take a photo or video that features a minor closely, ensure that the minor is okay with it, and confirm that their parent/guardian has not opted out. If in doubt, ask a staff member.
Report Concerns: Stay vigilant and report any concerns of misconduct or signs of abuse (details on reporting below). Even if it’s just a suspicion or something you observed that made you uncomfortable, it’s better to report it so it can be checked. Remember, reporting is a responsibility, not a betrayal. It ensures help can be given.
Comply with Supervision Guidelines: Follow any supervision ratios and rules set for events (for example, if an event requires a certain number of staff per number of minors, or specific check-in/out procedures, adhere to those). Make sure no child is left unattended in an unsafe situation during our care.
Respect Privacy: If you become privy to personal information about a child or their family (through forms or conversations), keep it confidential. Only share with authorized persons if needed for the child’s benefit. Also, respect privacy in situations like changing clothes (give them space, ensure separate changing areas by gender, etc., appropriate to context).

DON’T:

Do Not Abuse in Any Form: This is obvious but must be stated – do not hit, slap, push, or physically harm a child. Do not yell at, threaten, insult, or ridicule a child. Never engage in any sexual contact or relationship with a minor, or use sexual language or materials around them. Even if a minor behaves inappropriately or provocatively, it is always the adult’s responsibility to maintain boundaries and stop the behavior.
No Harassment or Discrimination: Do not make discriminatory remarks or jokes (including sexist, racist, homophobic, or other derogatory comments) in earshot of youth. Do not tolerate bullying among participants – intervene and report it. Every child should feel included and valued.
Avoid One-on-One Secrets: Do not encourage children to keep secrets from their parents or from the organization. While you can have private trust, anything that seems like “don’t tell anyone we did this” is inappropriate. For example, do not invite a lone minor to an off-site outing or drive them in a car without parental permission and organizational knowledge.
No Inappropriate Communication: Moonshot Pirates encourages all mentors and participants to use official, approved channels for communication—such as our platform, moderated group chats, or designated program tools—so we can ensure safety and transparency for everyone involved. We recognize that some participants and mentors may choose to use third-party apps like WhatsApp to stay connected. If you do so, please note:

This is done at your own discretion and outside of Moonshot Pirates’ official supervision.
We cannot monitor or moderate conversations on WhatsApp or other external tools.
You must still follow our code of conduct at all times and keep interactions professional and appropriate.

Definitely do not send or solicit any indecent messages or images. If a minor reaches out to you individually, keep it professional and forward to a group or include a safeguarding officer if the content is sensitive.

Do Not Give or Accept Expensive Gifts: It’s okay to give small tokens (like a certificate or t-shirt) as part of program, but do not give money or expensive gifts to children, as it could be seen as bribes or grooming. Similarly, do not accept expensive gifts from minors or their families that could create a sense of obligation or secrecy. Politely decline or report any unusual gift offers. Moonshot Pirates may provide awards, prizes, or small grants as part of specific programs or challenges. These incentives are intended solely to support participants’ project development, recognize achievements, or provide educational value. All awards or prizes are given transparently, fairly, and within clear program guidelines.
No Drugs or Alcohol: Do not provide any child with alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, and do not consume such substances when responsible for youth. Even for older youth (18-20) in our programs, follow the law and our event rules (which typically forbid alcohol at youth events). Set a good example in health and safety.
Avoid Favoritism or Exclusivity: Do not single out one child for special favors, excessive attention, or private outings. While it’s natural to have good rapport with some, ensure all participants get equal attention and opportunities. Favoritism can lead to jealousy, bullying, or could be misconstrued as grooming.
Do Not Ignore Boundaries Set by Youth: If a young person says they are uncomfortable with something, even if it’s seemingly minor (like a kind of humor or a topic of discussion), respect that and steer away. Never coerce or pressure a child into doing something against their will (apart from necessary rules for safety).

All participants (youth themselves) are also expected to follow a code of conduct: treat each other with respect, no bullying or harassment, include everyone, and report any concerning behavior. We communicate these expectations at program orientations.

Safe Program Procedures

In addition to the general conduct code, Moonshot Pirates implements specific procedures to enhance safety:

Screening and Selection: All staff and long-term volunteers who will have significant interaction with minors undergo a screening process. This can include interviews, reference checks, and where feasible, background checks such as upload of identification document for verification or police clearance in accordance with local law. (For example, in Austria we may obtain a criminal record check for working with minors, and similarly request volunteers in other countries to provide one if possible.) Mentors and short-term volunteers may sign a declaration confirming they have no history that would pose a risk to youth. We understand global differences in obtaining checks, but we make good-faith efforts to screen out anyone with known risks.
Training and Awareness: We provide briefing or training on safeguarding to all adults involved. This includes understanding this Policy, recognizing signs of abuse, managing disclosures, and knowing reporting protocols. We also provide age-appropriate guidance to youth, such as community guidelines and whom to contact if they feel unsafe. Visual reminders of key rules (like a poster of do’s and don’ts or a quick talk at the start of an event) are used to keep awareness high.
Supervision Ratios: We strive to maintain adequate supervision ratios in events involving minors. For instance, at an in-person camp, we ensure enough adult staff/mentors to supervise the group (for example, a typical ratio might be 1 adult per 8-10 minors, adjusted for activities and age). We avoid isolated one-on-one situations as policy. If one-on-one mentoring is a core part of a program (e.g., a mentor is assigned to a youth), we incorporate safeguards: parent/guardian awareness, sessions in public spaces or via official accounts, periodic check-ins by staff, etc.
Online Safety Measures: For digital programs, we use official communication channels (moonshotpirates.app, discord, notion and video calls via our accounts – if not possible via our account we suggest recording sessions for transparency). We inform participants not to move conversations to private platforms without oversight. We may log or record mentorship interactions where appropriate (with transparency) to have an audit trail. We also employ moderators for online community spaces to watch for inappropriate content or interactions. Any online platform we use will have privacy settings and access controls – for example, password-protected Zoom meetings, moderated discussion boards, etc. We educate youth about not sharing personal contact details or private images in public forums and about cyberbullying.
Transportation and Venue Safety: For offline events, we have procedures for safe drop-off and pickup of minors. Parents/guardians are informed of event schedules and must designate who will pick up the child if not themselves. Staff will not leave until all minors are safely picked up. During events, we ensure the venue has safe, open spaces – avoid isolated rooms with one adult and one youth. If an event involves overnight stays, we implement strict rules: separate accommodations by gender, curfews, room checks by two staff of appropriate gender when possible, and no adult should share a sleeping space alone with a minor (exceptions only for parent and child). We also comply with any local laws on supervising youth in those settings (like requiring female staff to supervise girls, etc.).
Medical & Emergency Protocols: We collect relevant medical info and emergency contacts for minors at events (as covered in Terms/Privacy) to be prepared. Staff are briefed on procedures if a child is injured or ill (e.g., administering first aid, contacting emergency services, etc.). We aim to have at least one staff member trained in first aid at in-person events, or swift access to medical professionals. Emergency contact info for all minors is kept accessible to lead staff should a critical situation arise. We also maintain a sign-in and sign-out procedure, so we know which youth are under our supervision at any given time and when they leave.

Safe Equipment and Spaces: We ensure that any physical activities or equipment used are appropriately safe and supervised. For example, if there’s a hands-on workshop involving tools or tech gadgets, we provide safety instructions and ensure an adult is present. We also vet venues to make sure they are secure and have private areas if a child needs to talk or rest, with supervision protocols in place.
Third-Party Compliance: When partnering with other organizations or using venues, we communicate our safeguarding expectations. If external personnel (like a guest speaker or a caterer) will interact with youth, we ensure they are not left unsupervised with minors unless they’ve undergone equivalent checks. We include safeguarding clauses in contracts where relevant, and we brief any external contributors on our code of conduct.

Reporting and Responding to Concerns

Despite all preventive measures, concerns or incidents may arise. It is crucial that these are handled promptly, seriously, and in line with proper procedures to protect children and ensure fairness.

Duty to Report: All Moonshot Pirates staff, volunteers, and participants have an obligation to report any suspicions, disclosures, or evidence of abuse or neglect of a child in connection with our programs. You do not need definitive proof – if you see, hear, or suspect that a child is being harmed or at risk, you should report it. This includes concerns about anyone’s conduct (a mentor, staff, another participant, even someone outside the program if it’s disclosed to you). It is better to raise a concern that turns out to be minor than to ignore something serious. Remember, reporting enables support and protection; keeping silent could allow harm to continue.
How to Report Internally: We have designated Safeguarding Officers within Moonshot Pirates. The primary Safeguarding Officer is Aneta Londa, Founder & CMO. Contact them directly with any concerns – you can do this in person, by phone, or via email (see contact details below). If that person is not available or the concern involves them, you can contact an alternate officer or any senior staff member. We provide all staff/mentors with the Safeguarding Officer’s contact info, and minors are given an age-appropriate briefing on who they can talk to (for example, telling a trusted adult or emailing besafe@moonshotpirates.com.
Emergency Situations: If you believe a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent protection, don’t wait – contact local child protection services or law enforcement right away. Then inform our Safeguarding Officer of the action taken. For example, if a youth discloses imminent self-harm or you witness abuse happening at an event, calling emergency services or the police (as appropriate in the country) is the first step, with internal follow-up after.
External Reporting (Mandated Reporting): We will comply with all laws regarding mandated reporting of child abuse. In many jurisdictions, certain professionals (teachers, social workers, etc.) are legally required to report suspected abuse to authorities. Even if not mandated, Moonshot Pirates’ policy is to report credible allegations of abuse of a minor to the relevant authorities (such as child protective services or police), in consultation with the Safeguarding Officer. We will typically inform the child’s parent or guardian unless they are suspected to be involved in the abuse or such contact could put the child at greater risk. The safety of the child is the priority; thus, if an outside agency needs to step in, we will facilitate that.
Whistleblower Protection: We assure that anyone reporting a concern in good faith will not face retaliation or adverse consequences. We encourage openness and will support those who raise genuine concerns, even if they turn out to be mistaken. Any form of retaliation against a reporter (e.g., a volunteer being dismissed or harassed for reporting, or a participant being ostracized) is against our values and, if done by someone within our control, will result in disciplinary action. Reports can also be made confidentially or anonymously, though that can limit our ability to act. We prefer you give your name and role, which will be kept as confidential as possible – the identity of reporters is only shared on a need-to-know basis (for instance, if required by an investigation, but even then, we try to protect whistleblower identities).
Handling Disclosures by a Child: If a child or youth personally confides in you (discloses abuse or something troubling):
- Stay calm and listen carefully. Encourage them to talk, but do not press for details or interrogate – let trained professionals do the detailed questioning later. Just get the essentials if possible (what happened, when, who was involved).
- Reassure them that they did the right thing by telling you, and that they are not at fault. Avoid any expression of shock or disbelief that might make them feel guilty or retract.
- Do not promise total confidentiality. Explain that you will need to tell someone who can help keep them safe, but you will only tell people who absolutely need to know.
- Write down, as soon as possible (ideally immediately after the conversation), what was said in the child’s own words and the time and date of the disclosure. Sign it or keep it as a secure record. This will be important for accuracy when reporting.
- Report the disclosure to the Safeguarding Officer immediately. If for some reason you cannot reach them, and the situation is urgent, contact authorities directly. Do not confront the alleged abuser or investigate yourself – that is the role of child protection professionals.
Responding to Allegations Against Personnel: If an allegation is made that a staff member, mentor, volunteer, or any representative of Moonshot Pirates has harmed or behaved inappropriately with a child:
- That person will be suspended or removed from any contact with children immediately pending investigation. This is to ensure safety and also to protect the rights of all involved during the inquiry. Suspension in this context is a neutral act, not implying guilt, but is necessary for due diligence.
- The Safeguarding Officer will conduct an initial fact-finding (if appropriate) and promptly escalate the matter to external authorities if the allegation appears to have any basis. We will follow the guidance of the authorities (police/child services) regarding next steps – which may include formal interviews, providing evidence, etc.
- We will also notify the person’s employer (if they are from a partner org) or other relevant bodies as needed.
- The accused individual will be given a chance to respond to the allegations as appropriate, but only after initial safety steps are taken. We will treat them fairly and lawfully, maintaining confidentiality. If the allegation is substantiated, disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination of involvement and, if a crime, supporting prosecution. If not substantiated or false, we will work on a fair resolution, including reinstatement if they were suspended, and support to them if they were wrongfully accused.
- We recognize the duty of care to all parties – so both the child (and their family) and the accused may need support. We will provide or refer to counseling or support services as needed and appropriate.
Responding to Peer-on-Peer Issues: Sometimes the issue might involve one youth harming another (bullying, a fight, or even inappropriate sexual behavior between minors). These situations will also be taken seriously. We will protect the victim and address the behavior of the perpetrator. Depending on severity, we may involve parents of both parties and possibly authorities (for example, if a crime like assault occurred or if an older teen abused a younger child). We aim to educate and correct behavior but will remove participants from the program if needed to ensure safety. Anti-bullying measures (warnings, mediated discussions, etc.) will be employed for less severe incidents.
Confidentiality in Reporting: All reports and investigations will be handled with confidentiality. Details will only be shared with those who need to know them for the purpose of protecting the child or investigating/resolving the situation. Typically, that includes the Safeguarding Officer, possibly other senior staff, and relevant external officials. Gossip or rumor will be strictly discouraged. Documents related to safeguarding reports will be kept secure and separate from general records.
No Complacency: If at any point you feel a reported concern is not being addressed properly by our team (e.g., you reported to a staff member and nothing happened), you should escalate it. You may contact higher management or even reach out directly to child protection authorities. We absolutely want to avoid any situation where bureaucracy or hesitation results in inaction. We encourage persistence – children’s safety comes first.
Learning from Incidents: After any serious incident or near-miss, Moonshot Pirates will conduct a review to identify what went wrong and how to improve. Policies and procedures will be updated if needed, and additional training provided. We strive for a culture of continuous improvement in safeguarding.

Safeguarding Contacts and Useful Information

For any safeguarding or child protection concerns related to Moonshot Pirates, please use the following contacts:

Moonshot Pirates Safeguarding Officer:
Aneta Londa, Founder & CMO
Alternate Safeguarding Contact:
Moonshot Pirates Main Contact Number:
Phone: +43 670 507 9815 (you can ask for the Safeguarding Officer or the Executive Director)
Local Child Protection Authority:
Since we operate internationally online, the relevant authority depends on the location of the child. We will assist in connecting you to the right authority. In Austria (where we are based), the child protection hotline is 147 or the local police (133 in Austria) can be called for immediate danger. Internationally, you can find helplines such as:
- 116 111 — A common Child Helpline number in many EU countries (for kids to call).
- 116 000 — Missing Children hotline in EU.
- United States: Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
- To find your local child helpline internationally, you can refer to this site https://childhelplineinternational.org/helplines/
Emergency (Police/Ambulance): If urgent, dial local emergency services (112 in EU, 911 in USA, etc.).

We also encourage participants and families to be aware of independent support:

Helplines: If a participant is not comfortable reporting internally, they or their friends can reach out to helplines (like those mentioned above or local NSPCC/childline in various countries) for advice.
Parental Involvement: We welcome parents/guardians to engage with us on safeguarding. Parents can request a copy of this Policy or ask questions. We are open to having a briefing or info session for parents especially for any offline events, to build trust and clarity about safety measures.

Conclusion

Moonshot Pirates Foundation believes that empowering youth goes hand in hand with protecting youth. All the excitement and innovation we promote must take place in an environment where young people feel safe, respected, and free from harm. By implementing this comprehensive Safeguarding Policy, training our team, and cultivating an open and vigilant culture, we aim to prevent abuse and swiftly address any issues that do arise.

Every one of us has a role to play in safeguarding. To our staff and volunteers: thank you for upholding these standards and caring for our participants. To our young pirates: we have your back – if anything or anyone makes you feel unsafe, speak up and we will act. To parents and partners: trust that we treat this responsibility with the utmost seriousness, and we are constantly working to ensure our programs are not just inspirational, but also safe.

Acknowledgment: By participating in Moonshot Pirates activities or by working/volunteering with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy, and you commit to acting in accordance with it.

These documents (Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Child Safeguarding & Protection Policy) are interconnected. We encourage all users and stakeholders to review all of them to have a full understanding of our legal and ethical framework. If you have any questions or feedback on these documents, please reach out to us at . Your input helps us improve and uphold best practices.