Every child and young person should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse and these same principles apply in the online environment. This is the responsibility of every adult.
The Internet offers tremendous benefits and opportunities for children and young people. However, as with any social space, using the internet will pose some risks for children and young people particularly if they are unaware of the way that information / technology can be used by others (children / adults) with ill-intent to exploit or abuse them.
The websites below provide information and advice for practitioners that work with children and young people so they can help them keep safe online.
Sextortion
Sextortion is a ‘cyber-enabled crime’ in which victims are lured into sharing intimate photos/videos or behaving in a sexual way in front of a camera. Unbeknown to the victims, their actions have been recorded or saved by criminals who blackmail the victim by threatening to release the image or footage.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reports a 'shocking' rise in the sextortion of boys. Click HERE to read more about their findings.
Viewing Inappropriate Content Advice
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/professionals/resources/dark-web-explained
A short video has been developed for professionals to better their understanding of the dark web and feel equipped to talk to a young person about it should the need arise. A British Sign Language version is also avaiable.
Government Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-for-a-connected-world
This document supports one of the key aims of the government’s Internet Safety Strategy of supporting children to stay safe and make a positive contribution online, as well enabling practitioners to develop effective strategies for understanding and handling online risks.
Advice and Resources
https://www.internetmatters.org/schools-esafety/
An online safety resource hub to support practitioners working with children and young people about staying safe online.
https://www.childnet.com/teachers-and-professionals
Providing access and advice to information on a range of key online safety topics.
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/teachers-and-school-staff
A partnership of three leading organisations: Childnet International, Internet Watch Foundation and SWGfL, with one mission - to promote the safe and responsible use of technology for young people.
https://www.osbox.org.uk/
The OSBOX is a box of activities and resources which evolved from conversations Jane Key (Warwickshire ICT Development Service Online Safety Adviser) had with many head teachers and teachers dealing with the issues their pupils were experiencing online.
Online safety provision/checks/support
https://360earlyyears.org.uk/about/
360 Early Years is a simple tool that allows settings to review and improve their online safety practice for the benefit of the setting itself and for the children, staff/volunteers and families.
https://360safe.org.uk/
360 degree safe is intended to help schools review their online safety policy and practice. The review takes you through each aspect of online safety, helping you to collaborate, report, and progress.
https://www.ictds.org/e-safety-courses
Information about online safety courses.
https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/sexual-abuse-learning-programme.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pp-learning&dm_i=48W7,ZQ57,3E0RPW,4H519,1
An online child sexual abuse and exploitation awareness learning programme for parents, carers and professionals.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/professionals/
Supporting you to deliver education and raise awareness of online child abuse and exploitation.