5.1 Introduction
Until relatively recently, most child abuse was committed in person. Unfortunately, the ubiquity of the internet has afforded abusers a new way to abuse children from remote locations.
According to Kaspersky, the biggest threats confronting children online include:
1.Cyberbullying
2.Cyberpredators
3.Posting private information
4.Phishing scams
5.Accidentally downloading malware
Parents and people working with children often have a basic understanding of these risks, but
there may be gaps in their knowledge and a lack of engagement with their children.
FACT
1 in 5 internet users in the UK are children. The NSPCC reports that during the 2020 lockdowns, their helpline saw a 60% increase in contacts from people worried about children experiencing online sexual abuse.
Source: nspcc.org.uk
5.2 The Dangers Posed by the Internet
Children are at risk from online predators who deliberately form relationships with children and then coerce them into performing inappropriate acts, either via webcam or in person. Adult predators often pretend to be someone of similar age to the child and use their relationship to place themselves in a position of trust. They might also tell a child that no one will believe them if they report the abuse. This process is sometimes referred to as “grooming” Children may also feel pressured to send revealing photos or videos to their peers, which may result in embarrassment and harassment. Online bullying is another common problem facing young people today.
The best defence against online abuse is education targeting both children and those who care for them. The NSPCC recommends a four-part strategy for keeping children safe online, expressed as the acronym TEAM:
a. Talk
b. Explore
c. Agree
d. Manage
This entails open and honest conversations about the child’s online life, exploring the apps and websites they use, agreeing limits and basic rules around internet use and managing parental control and general use settings. Take a non-judgmental approach where possible – it is normal for children and teens to seek approval and build relationships with others, even if in doing so they can place themselves in danger.
5.3 What to Do If You Know or Suspect That a Child Is the Victim of Online Abuse
If you suspect or know that online abuse has taken place, you should report it using the principles outlined in the previous module. However, there are a couple of additional steps you can take. First, gather as much evidence as possible of the abuse, such as screenshots of messages. Second, you should also submit a report to any websites or messaging platforms. They may be able to remove or shut down the offender’s account, thereby protecting other children from harm. If a child has been the subject of bullying or harassment by a school friend, you can contact the school and report the incident. Schools should have cyberbullying policies in place and be willing to support both parents and victims.
Module Summary
Let’s review what you have covered in this course. First, we looked at the basics of safeguarding and how it helps keep vulnerable members of society safe from harm. Next, you learned about the different types of abuse, how to spot the most common signs and how to report it. Finally, we looked at the dangers facing children online and how to reduce the risks associated with the internet.
.svg)
