child safeguarding & protection policy

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 ensuring 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 the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and applicable Austrian, EU, and local laws on child protection. Because Moonshot Pirates operates internationally, we apply UNCRC and Austrian/EU standards as the global baseline for all our activities, regardless of local law. Where local law sets a stricter standard, we follow the stricter standard.

This Policy 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 and sponsors' representatives when they are engaged in Moonshot Pirates activities with direct contact with participants.
• Participants in our programs — both minors and those 18 or older — in terms of following codes of conduct toward 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.

This Policy applies globally to all Moonshot Pirates activities and personnel, regardless of their physical location.

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

• Child: Anyone under the age of 18 years old, regardless of local definitions of adulthood. Even where the age of majority is lower in a given jurisdiction, we treat all under-18 participants as children for purposes of protection.
• 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 and benefit from many of our positive youth development practices. This Policy primarily provides specific protections for those under 18.
• Safeguarding: The broad term encompassing all 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: 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). 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.
• 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 (such as harmful child labor).
• 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.
• Safeguarding Officer: A designated individual in our organization responsible for coordinating and overseeing child protection efforts. This person is the primary point of contact for reporting concerns and is trained to handle such issues. Moonshot Pirates maintains a primary and an alternate Safeguarding Officer (see Contacts section).

All forms of abuse 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 apply this Policy equitably and sensitively, with 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 our response will be swift and robust. Zero tolerance also means we are committed to acting on every report, even if it concerns behavior outside our programs (where it involves our personnel or affects 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) 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. 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, our major focus is on prevention. By establishing clear conduct guidelines, 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). Confidentiality does not mean secrecy — we will share information appropriately with authorities or caregivers when necessary to protect a child.

Continuous Improvement. We review and update our safeguarding practices and this Policy at least annually to incorporate lessons learned and evolving best practices. Feedback from youth and stakeholders is encouraged. 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 and staff from false allegations. Violation of this code will result in disciplinary action and, where appropriate, referral to authorities.

Do

• Be a positive role model. Demonstrate the behavior you wish to see — respect, patience, and encouragement toward young people. Use positive reinforcement 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 the 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, age-appropriate manner. No swearing, no sexual or explicit jokes, 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 is unavoidable — obtain guardian consent and consider recording the session for transparency (with their knowledge).
• Obtain consent for media. As outlined in our Terms, if you want to take a photo or video that features a minor closely, ensure the minor is okay with it and confirm that their parent or 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 is just a suspicion or something you observed that made you uncomfortable, it is better to report it so it can be checked. Reporting is a responsibility, not a betrayal.
• Comply with supervision guidelines. Follow any supervision ratios and rules set for events (e.g., a specified ratio of staff to minors, check-in/out procedures). 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, keep it confidential. Only share with authorized persons if needed for the child's benefit. Respect privacy in practical situations (e.g., separate changing areas by gender where appropriate to context).

Don't

• Do not abuse in any form. 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.
• 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. Anything resembling "don't tell anyone we did this" is inappropriate. Do not invite a lone minor to an off-site outing or transport them in a vehicle without parental permission and organizational knowledge.
• No inappropriate communication. Moonshot Pirates requires mentors and participants to use official, approved channels for one-on-one communication with minors — moonshotpirates.app, our moderated Discord, and video calls via our accounts. One-on-one communication between adults and minors on unmoderated platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram DM, personal email, etc.) is not permitted. Group chats including multiple mentors and participants on third-party platforms are allowed at the discretion of the Safeguarding Officer. If a minor contacts you directly on a personal channel, redirect the conversation to an official channel and notify the Safeguarding Officer. Do not send or solicit any indecent messages or images under any circumstances.
• Do not give or accept expensive gifts. Small tokens (a certificate, a t-shirt) are fine as part of a program. Do not give money or expensive gifts to children, as this could be seen as bribes or grooming. 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 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).
• Avoid favoritism or exclusivity. Do not single out one child for special favors, excessive attention, or private outings. 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 seems minor (a kind of humor, a topic of discussion) — respect that and steer away. Never coerce or pressure a child into doing something against their will, except where necessary 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 Code of Conduct, Moonshot Pirates implements specific procedures to enhance safety.

Screening and Selection. All staff and long-term volunteers who will have significant interaction with minors complete identity verification before joining program activities. For roles involving direct one-on-one engagement with minors, we require a recent police record check (Strafregisterbescheinigung in Austria, or equivalent in other jurisdictions). Where access to such checks varies by jurisdiction, we apply equivalent verification — reference checks, declarations of suitability, and ongoing observation. Mentors and short-term volunteers sign a declaration confirming they have no history that would pose a risk to youth and confirming their agreement to abide by this Policy.

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, including community guidelines and clear information on who to contact if they feel unsafe.

Supervision Ratios. We maintain adequate supervision ratios in events involving minors. For in-person events, our typical ratio is one adult per eight to ten minors, adjusted for the nature and intensity of the activity. We avoid isolated one-on-one situations as a matter of policy. Where one-on-one mentoring is a core part of a program, we incorporate safeguards: parent/guardian awareness, sessions in public spaces or via official accounts, periodic check-ins by staff.

Online Safety Measures. For digital programs, we use official communication channels (moonshotpirates.app, our moderated Discord, and video calls via our accounts). Where one-on-one mentoring is part of the program, we may log or record sessions with transparent disclosure to participants. We employ moderators for online community spaces to watch for inappropriate content or interactions. Online platforms we use have privacy settings and access controls (password-protected calls, moderated discussion boards). We educate youth not to share personal contact details or private images in public forums and to recognize cyberbullying.

Transportation and Venue Safety. For offline events, we have procedures for safe drop-off and pickup of minors. Parents and guardians are informed of event schedules and must designate who will pick up the child if not themselves. Staff do not leave until all minors are safely picked up. During events, we use safe, open spaces and avoid isolated rooms with only one adult and one youth. For events with overnight stays: separate accommodations by gender, curfews, room checks by two staff of appropriate gender where possible, and no adult sharing a sleeping space alone with a minor (exceptions only for parent and child). We comply with all applicable local laws regarding supervising youth in these settings.

Medical and Emergency Protocols. We collect relevant medical information and emergency contacts for minors at events. Staff are briefed on procedures for injury or illness (first aid, contacting emergency services). We aim to have at least one staff member trained in first aid at in-person events. We maintain a sign-in and sign-out procedure so we know which youth are under our supervision at any given time.

Safe Equipment and Spaces. Any physical activities or equipment used are appropriately safe and supervised. We provide safety instructions and ensure adult presence for any activity involving tools, electronics, or other potential hazards. We vet venues for security and appropriate spaces for private conversation or rest, with supervision protocols in place.

Third-Party Compliance. When partnering with other organizations or using external venues, we communicate our safeguarding expectations. External personnel (guest speakers, caterers) are not left unsupervised with minors unless they have undergone equivalent checks. We include safeguarding clauses in contracts where relevant, and brief external contributors on our Code of Conduct.

Reporting and responding to concerns

Despite 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 member, another participant, or someone outside the program if it is disclosed to you). It is better to raise a concern that turns out to be minor than to ignore something serious. Reporting enables support and protection; silence allows harm to continue.

How to Report Internally. The primary Safeguarding Officer is Aneta Londa, Co-Founder & CXO (anet@moonshotpirates.com). The alternate Safeguarding Officer is Marko Londa, Co-Founder & Chief Changemaker (marko@moonshotpirates.com). You can also reach a Safeguarding Officer confidentially via besafe@moonshotpirates.com. Contact them directly with any concerns — in person, by phone, or via email. If a concern involves one of these officers, contact the other directly. All staff, mentors, and partners receive Safeguarding Officer contact information, and minors are given age-appropriate briefings on whom they can talk to.

Emergency Situations. If you believe a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent protection, do not wait — contact local child protection services or law enforcement immediately. 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 is the first step, with internal follow-up after.

External Reporting (Mandated Reporting). We comply with all laws regarding mandated reporting of child abuse. In many jurisdictions, certain professionals are legally required to report suspected abuse to authorities. Even where not legally mandated, Moonshot Pirates' policy is to report credible allegations of abuse of a minor to the relevant authorities (child protective services, police) in consultation with the Safeguarding Officer. We will typically inform the child's parent or guardian unless they are suspected of involvement or such contact could put the child at greater risk. The safety of the child is the priority.

Whistleblower Protection. 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 is against our values and, if perpetrated by someone within our control, will result in disciplinary action. Reports can also be made confidentially or anonymously, though anonymity can limit our ability to act. The identity of reporters is shared only on a need-to-know basis.

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 — trained professionals will do the detailed questioning later. 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 only people who absolutely need to know.
• Do not discuss the disclosure with other staff, volunteers, or participants before reporting to the Safeguarding Officer, except where immediate safety requires it.
• Write down, as soon as possible after the conversation, what was said in the child's own words, along with the time and date. Keep it as a secure record. This is important for accuracy when reporting.
• Report the disclosure to the Safeguarding Officer immediately. If 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:

• The person will be suspended or removed from any contact with children immediately pending investigation. 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 regarding next steps.
• We will notify the person's employer (if from a partner organization) 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. They will be treated fairly and lawfully, with confidentiality maintained.
• If the allegation is substantiated, disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination of involvement and, where a crime is alleged, support for prosecution. If unsubstantiated or false, we will work toward a fair resolution including reinstatement and support to those wrongfully accused.
• We recognize the duty of care to all parties — both the child (and their family) and the accused may need support. We will provide or refer to counseling or support services as needed.

Responding to Peer-on-Peer Issues. Sometimes the issue involves one youth harming another (bullying, a fight, or inappropriate behavior between minors). These situations are also 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. 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) are used for less severe incidents.

Confidentiality in Reporting. All reports and investigations are handled with confidentiality. Details are shared only with those who need to know them to protect the child or to investigate and resolve the situation. Documents related to safeguarding reports are kept secure and separate from general records.

Escalation. If you feel a reported concern is not being addressed properly by our team, you should escalate. You may contact higher management or, if necessary, reach out directly to child protection authorities. We want to avoid any situation where bureaucracy or hesitation results in inaction. Children's safety comes first.

Learning from Incidents. After any serious incident or near-miss, Moonshot Pirates conducts a review to identify what went wrong and how to improve. Policies and procedures are updated as needed, and additional training is provided.

Safeguarding contacts and useful information

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

Local child protection authorities

Because we operate internationally online, the relevant authority depends on the child's location. We will help connect you to the right authority. Some useful contacts:

• Austria: Child protection hotline 147. Police 133. Emergency 112.
• EU (cross-border): 116 111 (Child Helpline, active across many EU countries). 116 000 (Missing Children hotline).
• United States: Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
• International directory of child helplines: childhelplineinternational.org/helplines
• Emergency services: 112 (EU), 911 (US), or local emergency number.

We 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 the helplines listed above or local equivalents for advice.
• Parental involvement. We welcome parents and guardians to engage with us on safeguarding. Parents can request a copy of this Policy or ask questions. We are open to briefings or information sessions for parents, especially before offline events.

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 or 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 for a full understanding of our legal and ethical framework. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to us at ahoy@moonshotpirates.com.