The locker rooms aren’t the same as they used to be. Kids have always brought music into the room to get pumped up for practices and games. Today’s technology makes it just as easy to bring in smartphones and other devices that can include cameras, video capabilities and instant access to the internet and social media outlets.

That means extra precaution, supervision and education should be a priority.

Minnesota Hockey SafeSport Coordinator Scott Gray has looked into a number of violations relating to misuse of electronic devices in locker rooms this season. Some of which have included inappropriate images being dumped into social media outlets.

“The humiliation caused by such actions has the potential for unimaginable destructiveness,” Gray said.

Pictures, videos and inappropriate material/language can be easily broadcasted on the internet today.

Facebook photos, tweets, texts, shares, direct messages, e-mails, social media requests, follows, retweets, likes, video chats and the list goes on. Technology, specifically electronic communication, can create serious and lasting repercussions for anyone who misuses it, not to mention potentially harmful physical and emotional damage.

“As much as social media can be fun, and notwithstanding its very apparent prevalence with today’s youth, if used improperly it can have a lifelong negative impact on children,” Gray said. 

When it comes to kids, parents can take a lead role in preventing any problems from happening.

USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey’s new SafeSport Program is designed to protect its membership both on and off the ice. The Social Media, Mobile and Electronic Communications Policy says that when it comes to minors and electronic communications, everything should be “appropriate, productive and transparent.”

If you have to think twice about a message, post, photo or other form of communication, don’t do it. When in doubt, leave it out.

Another important rule for Minnesota Hockey membership: No smartphones or cameras are allowed in the locker rooms.

“A great first step in avoiding these issues is to remind parents that these devices are banned from locker rooms,” Gray said. “We need parents’ assistance in ensuring that their children comply with these rules.”

The Star Tribune published an article in December, “Playing Smart Online,” on the dangers of social media, cell phone use and other internet risks that have arisen in the world of high school athletics.

The sign mentioned in the article should resonate not only with parents, coaches and young athletes, it should resonate with everyone.

"Treat every conversation you have on TWITTER or FACEBOOK as if it were a NATIONALLY TELEVISED PRESS CONFERENCE."

The Star Tribune article also included guidelines for young kids on social media, which includes tips on when to post, who you’re engaging with, privacy settings and more.

Caution should also be taken when minors and adults (players/coaches) communicate electronically. From the SafeSport social media policy:

Coaches are prohibited from having players joined to their personal Facebook page or any other similar social media application. To facilitate communication, an official organization or team page may be set up and players and parents may join (i.e., “friend”) the official organization or team page and coaches can communicate to players though the site. All electronic communication of any kind between coach and player, including use of social media, must be non-personal in nature and be for the purpose of communicating information about team activities or for team-oriented motivational purposes.

Adding to that topic, all e-mail or text messaging between coaches and players should be about team activities. If that player is under the age of 18, the parents should be copied on all messages.

While certain comments, images and interactions may seem harmless and commonplace, it’s important to consider the consequences of each instance. Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey are making a major push to improve on- and off-ice safety, but they need help from parents and coaches to educate and monitor the use of electronic communication.

Visit www.MinnesotaHockey.org and click on the SafeSport section to learn more or contact Scott Gray, Minnesota Hockey SafeSport Coordinator, with any questions/concerns.