Protection of minors

Purpose and scope

As a technology company that hosts internships and traineeships for secondary school pupils and students, Digital Templars sets out rules for protecting minors and vulnerable people at work and in training, in line with the Polish Act of 28 July 2023 amending the Family and Guardianship Code and certain other acts, as well as employment and data protection law (GDPR).

The standards apply to all employees, collaborators, contractors, interns and trainees. They cover the recruitment and vetting of people in contact with minors, safe relations between staff and interns, protection from physical, psychological and sexual violence, safe use of the internet and company devices, procedures for reporting and responding to breaches, and support for those affected.

Code of conduct

The standards include, among others, the following rules:

• no being alone with a minor in a closed room, meetings with interns take place in open places, visible to others;
• no jokes or comments of a sexual nature and no physical or psychological violence towards minors;
• no swearing or drinking alcohol in the presence of interns;
• no private contact with minors through social media;
• expressions of support in line with cultural norms (such as a handshake) are permitted.

Response procedures

Every employee who learns of suspected violence against an intern must report it to the designated trusted person or to the company’s management board. A suspected crime is reported to law enforcement. All reports are documented and stored in line with the GDPR, and the accused person is removed from work with minors until the matter is clarified.

Support for those affected

Any intern or trainee who has experienced violence or inappropriate behaviour will receive psychological and legal support. The company designates a trusted person to receive reports, named in the Polish version and reachable at biuro@templars.digital, and works with support institutions. The Polish version lists support organisations, including the nationwide Niebieska Linia helpline (800 120 002) and local services in Bielsko-Biała.

Review

The standards are reviewed every two years, or sooner if needed, by the management board together with the trusted person and HR.