Children are naturally trusting and may not recognise the warning signs of online abuse. They are also more likely to share personal information, making them easy targets. Their desire for social acceptance can and does lead children to engage with strangers or share personal content online, which can be exploited by abusers.
Online abuse encompasses a range of harmful behaviors, including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, grooming, and exposure to inappropriate content. Unlike traditional forms of abuse, online abuse can be more insidious and harder to detect. Abusers exploit the anonymity provided by the internet to manipulate, coerce, and harm children without immediate repercussions.
The Cybersurvey is an annual survey of young people’s views and online experiences run by Youthworks since 2008. Over the last 10 years, 38,000 young people have participated.
A research partnership has been established between Youthworks and Dr Aiman El Asam (the Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Kingston University London) to study samples of this data further. The findings are published below:
The recommendations by Dr Aiman El Asam were published here: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/127698/pdf/
Ultimately, to protect our children from online abuse, it is crucial to take proactive measures:
Education: Educate children about the risks of the internet and teach them how to recognise and report suspicious behaviour.
Open Communication: Encourage open communication between children and trusted adults. Children should feel comfortable discussing their online experiences without fear of judgment.
Parental Controls: Utilise parental controls and monitoring tools to supervise children's online activities and limit their exposure to inappropriate content.
Safe Online Practices: Teach children safe online practices, such as not sharing personal information, avoiding interactions with strangers, and reporting any uncomfortable encounters immediately.
To gain a deeper understanding of what young people experience online, how it affects their well-being and emotions, and the devastating impact it has on them, please click on the two buttons below:
Comments