Australia’s social media age restrictions begin today, preventing those under 16 from having accounts. The good news? The responsibility sits with platforms like Facebook and Instagram—NOT with your club, volunteers, or families.

Victorian Pony Clubs are discovering this change actually improves how they connect with riders and families.

Smart Communication Solutions

A successful approach includes:

• Weekly email digest sent Thursday nights with rally schedules
• Club app (TeamApp, Spond, or Heja) for RSVPs and logistics
• SMS alerts for weather cancellations
• Facebook maintains community presence, but critical info goes direct

Many clubs report that parents prefer having everything in one email instead of hunting through Instagram for rally information.

The DO’S

Create a clear communication hub. Post weekly rally schedules, volunteer rosters, and photos on your members-only website section where families know to look.

Make emails scannable. Busy horse families need quick information: rally times, level groupings, reminders, and photos—clearly formatted with headers and bullet points.

Implement safe messaging. Any WhatsApp or group messages MUST include parents. Never allow one-to-one communication between adults and young riders. Best practice: “If messaging about a rider under 16, their parent must be in the conversation—no exceptions.”

Use club apps effectively. Apps like TeamApp, Spond, or Heja help with rally RSVPs, document storage, and push notifications that actually get read.

Empower rally coordinators. Level coordinators who receive updates and forward to their parent groups create efficient information flow without overwhelming instructors.

Share achievements across channels. When riders earn certificates, celebrate via email galleries, website records, clubhouse displays, and social media—reaching everyone without requiring individual accounts.

The DON’TS

Never put young riders in charge of social media. Even enthusiastic 15-year-olds shouldn’t manage club accounts—it violates legislation and creates safety concerns.

Never create one-to-one adult-child communication. No direct texts, DMs, or emails to riders without parents included. This is non-negotiable for child safety.

Don’t rely solely on social media for critical updates. Rally cancellations need SMS/email/website updates, not just Facebook posts. Some clubs have had families drive an hour with horses to cancelled rallies they didn’t know about.

Don’t share personal information publicly. Never post children’s names with addresses or specific location details on public platforms.

Don’t exclude riders from club culture. Ensure all team bonding happens at rallies or via accessible channels—not in Instagram groups where some can’t participate.

Child Safety Essentials

Every Victorian Pony Club must have:

• Working With Children Checks for all volunteers
• Clear communication policies aligned with PCV guidelines
• Two-adult supervision where possible
• Documented procedures for reporting concerns
• Parent inclusion in ALL rider communications

For camps, add daily parent updates via SMS/email and comprehensive photo galleries sent afterward.

The Benefits

Clubs implementing these changes report unexpected positives:

• Better attendance: Direct parent communication means fewer no-shows
• Stronger engagement: Parents more involved when properly informed
• Improved horse welfare: Parents aware of their horse’s needs and their child’s progress
• Reduced drama: Less social media comparison culture at rallies
• Professional operations: Better documentation and processes

Resources

• Pony Club Victoria: Official policies and zone support
• eSafety.gov.au: Government guidance on legislation
• Club apps: TeamApp, Spond, Heja (often free for clubs)
• Play by the Rules: Free safeguarding training

The Real Win

Pony Club has always been about horsemanship, responsibility, and building confidence—not social media. These changes push clubs to communicate more intentionally, inclusively, and safely.

The best moments in Pony Club aren’t captured on Instagram—they’re the memories riders carry about the horses they loved, the skills they learned, and the friendships built in the arena.

Need help? Contact your Zone coordinator or Pony Club Victoria for templates and support.