SWGfL and Internet Matters have developed a really good hub to equip and empower parents, carers and professionals who support vulnerable children to introduce and develop more understanding about life online.
The hub will also include targeted resources and guidance that have been specifically designed for parents, carers or professionals who are looking for online safety advice to support a child with SEND, who are care-experienced or who identifies as LGBTQ+.
The impact of lockdown has shown a noticeable increase in demand for resources that support parents and professionals working with children who have vulnerabilities.
A report by Internet Matters revealed it is possible to predict online risks that different groups of vulnerable children may face online. This includes pressure to send intimate images, greater experience of cyberbullying and cyber scams, as well as repeated exposure to content promoting self-harm, anorexia and suicide.
Not only is the hub the first of its kind but it will include a bespoke version of our ‘So You Got Naked Online…’ resource to support SEND children and a unique online forum for professionals to engage in discussion. The aim is to provide accessible information to help support young people with particular vulnerabilities in the event that they have shared intimate images and are unsure of what to do.
The hub was launched by the Minister for Safeguarding, Victoria Atkins, MP and will be an essential tool for the future in keeping online safety a number one priority.
The hub can be accessed at the link below.
https://www.internetmatters.org/inclusive-digital-safety/
https://swgfl.org.uk/magazine/swgfl-and-internet-matters-launch-inclusive-digital-safety-hub/
