• home
• full contents
• keywords & contacts
• contact us / update
• search
• forms library
• 

Contents

1. The Virtual World - Benefits and Risks
2. Using the Internet Safely
3. Countering Exploitation and Cyberbullying
4. Awareness and Understanding
5. Reporting On-line Abuse or other Concerns
6. Safeguarding

1. The Virtual World - Benefits and Risks

The benefits of information technology and the Internet for children and young people are immense and include:- instant access to education, world-wide communication, advice, social networking, on-line activities and games.

However, in a fast changing world it is a challenge for carers to help children and young people obtain the maximum benefits from the exciting virtual environment whilst staying safe and avoiding inappropriate or upsetting content or contact. While many young people are very competent in using the technology, their knowledge and understanding of risks if often limited.

Research tells us that:

• 25% of 11 to 16 year olds have physically met someone they only knew in the virtual world
• 21% of 5 to 7 year olds use the Internet unsupervised
• Instant Messaging applications are the most common area for grooming to be detected
• Social networking sites are the next most common and very difficult to moderate. (There are 400 million users of the social networking site Facebook worldwide)
• At any given time there are around 3000 websites that provide access to indecent images of children and many, many more that provide access to adult pornography

Children and young people are the digital natives of the virtual world and adults often find computers and the Internet confusing or daunting. However, just as we strive to provide a safe environment in the real world, we also have an obligation to ensure that the virtual world is a place where we can protect effectively. Carers are therefore required to follow this guidance to ensure children and young people are able to access the Internet in a safe and appropriate manner.

2. Using the Internet Safely

There are a number of simple measures that can be taken to make using the Internet a safer, enjoyable and fulfilling activity. Carers should:

• Install parental controls appropriate to the age of the child and use Internet Service Provider filters (Your provider can give details)
• Use security software to reduce the risk of virus, ad ware etc, password protect your files and never share passwords
• Access websites such as Think U Know that provide advice on Internet safety for parents and carers but also for young people by age group.
• Limit Internet use - it should be one of many activities available
• Use the Internet with the children and young people in your care - learn how they use the virtual world
• Consider having your own social networking profiles - learn how they work
• Get used to the language young people use on line and be aware of sites such as Teen Chat Decoder
• Site computers in an area of the house where you can monitor use and get involved
• Talk about the great benefits of Internet use, but also point out that children and young people may come into contact with unsafe people or content. Seek their agreement they will come to you whenever anything happens on-line to make them feel uncomfortable.

3. Countering Exploitation and Cyberbullying

The increasing use of mobile technology and Internet social networking sites has brought many benefits, but sometimes there are problems in the form of sexual exploitation and also cyber bullying. Instances of unpleasant images or even threatening messages being posted are not uncommon and, like all bullying behaviour, this causes young people significant distress.

There are some clear strategies to prevent on-line bullying and many of these strategies can also help keep young people safe from exploitation. Carers should be aware of these strategies and be able to impart up to date advice to those in their care.

• Keep personal information private
• Don’t believe everything you read
• Use ‘netiquette’
  • Be polite
  • Don’t respond to rudeness
  • Don’t get into ‘flame’ wars (arguments conducted on-line)
  • Don’t send messages when angry
  • Use emoticons (smiley faces and other images used in chat)
• Don’t respond to people you don’t know - If it feels wrong it probably is
• Don’t delete (offending messages may be used as evidence)
• Don’t reply to bullies
• Never arrange to meet a bully or someone you don’t know
• Do share concerns with someone you know and trust
• Do tell a teacher, carer or adult who can help
• The first step to tackling bullying or exploitation is to share concerns with someone you know and trust
• If you have specific worries about Internet use and a child you are caring for, discuss them with their social worker.

Sometimes children and young people do not feel confident telling us of their concerns, so ensure they know there is also help on-line e.g. Cyber Mentors puts young people in touch with others of their own age who have had similar experiences.

4. Awareness and Understanding

All foster carers should attend e-safety awareness training to ensure their knowledge and understanding of the issues is sufficient for them to provide appropriate protection. This guidance can only provide pointers and engaging in training designed to meet the needs of carers is vital.

Similarly, it is vital that carers actively encourage children to empower themselves to self-protect by engaging fully in e-safety lessons at school and visiting websites designed to promote safer Internet use. For example:

• Click Clever Click Safe Gov website
• Kid Smart website
• Wise Kids Gov website
• Think U Know website

5. Reporting On-line Abuse or other Concerns

Children and young people should be encouraged to report incidents of on-line abuse or bullying and many reputable websites have a ‘report abuse’ button allowing details to be passed to CEOP (Child Exploitation On-Line Protection).

It is vitally important that foster carers know how to appropriately respond to reports made directly to them by children in their care or to concerns arising through observation.

If the incident involves illegal material (e.g. indecent images of children) or illegal activity (e.g. an adult grooming a child to meet) you should report the matter to the police. If the incident involves someone who works with children the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) must be informed.

Secure the evidence and keep it safe. Do not try to conduct your own investigation.

Appropriately reassure the child or young person, just as you would if an event of concern had taken place outside the virtual world, and act to protect them.

6. Safeguarding

Dealing with incidents that occur through the use of technology or the Internet is simply an extension of the existing safeguarding children protocols. Whenever there are concerns about the safety of a child or young person it is vital that those concerns are shared so that the most effective protective measures may be employed.

‘Do it now, do it right, intervene early.’

End