Digital Safeguarding Special Report
Derren Hayes
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Children have never been more connected, with many able to support their education and friendships digitally, prompting policymakers and practitioners to develop new ways to make the online world safer.
The age at which children start to use and own digital devices is getting younger, the time they spend online is getting longer and the type and amount of activities they pursue grows every year with the launch of more platforms, apps and games.
This is having a significant impact on young people's lives, playing a major role in shaping their behaviour and experiences – in how they interact with peers, socialise and engage in leisure activities, and access learning opportunities and education.
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought all of these benefits to the fore, giving children the ability to maintain relationships and support their education in ways which would not have been possible otherwise. It has also shown us that those without sufficient access and support to engage online have been severely disadvantaged.
The adoption of social media into children and young people's daily lives has also increased the safeguarding risks posed to them. Sexual harassment, bullying, grooming and sexual abuse, radicalisation and criminal exploitation are just some of the risks posed to young people. Meanwhile, the recent inquiry into the tragic case of Molly Russell detailed the devastating impact that accessing websites glorifying self-harm can have on young people's mental health.
In response, safeguarding campaigners and charities are working with schools, tech experts and service providers to educate young people on the risks and what to do to mitigate them, while policymakers are developing groundbreaking legislation to create a safer online world for children and young people.
CYP Now's special report on digital safeguarding summarises key trends in policy, practice and research in this ever-changing field.
Click the links below to read more in CYP Now's Digital Safeguarding Special Report
Research evidence
Practice examples
