Reporting An Online Safety Concern
If you have been sent a file via email, social media, messaging service or via your mobile phone that you have reason to believe may contain indecent images/videos of children (IIOC), you should report it immediately to the Police.
NEVER open or share any attachments or click on any links that you believe may contain inappropriate images/videos of children, and do not forward it to anyone unless asked to do so by CEOP, the IWF or the Police.
Remember, a child is anyone under the age of 18.
If you have reason to think a child or young person is being groomed or exploited online (remember that they may not realise it themselves), it is important to report your concerns to the Local Authority Children's Services Team or the Police.
Online Abuse
Online abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the internet, facilitated through technology such as computers, tablets, mobile phones and other internet-enabled devices. This could happen through any form of digital communication including social media, chatrooms, online gaming, text messaging, discussion forums, or email.
Children and young people can also be groomed online. Perpetrators may use online platforms to build a trusting relationship with the child in order to abuse them. This abuse may happen online or the perpetrator may arrange to meet the child in person with the intention of abusing them. Children and young people can be re-victimised (experience further abuse) when abusive content is recorded, uploaded or shared by others online. This can happen if the original abuse happened online or offline.
Whether abuse happens online or offline, it can have a long-lasting impact on a child’s overall wellbeing. Online abuse can lead to anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and even completed suicide.
It’s particularly important to consider the role of social media and the internet in young people’s lives when setting out to work with children and young people, especially as contributors.
Did You Know?
The minimum lower age limit for most social media sites is 13 years old, although many younger children access content with or without parental consent. Whilst hugely beneficial in learning and development, the increase in online activity has also increased the risks posed to its users.
Risks
- Online ‘trolling’ (where people leave abusive or harassing comments for the user)
- Unwanted attention
- Exposure to inappropriate/harmful content
- Exploitation or ‘grooming’ (where someone maliciously makes the user do something to fulfil their own needs)
- Bullying
- Misinterpreted opinions, views and values
If you are producing Â鶹ԼÅÄ content that includes contributions from children, you must make sure that the child and their parents/carers understand the impact of appearing in Â鶹ԼÅÄ content, and what the implications can be for anyone active on social media.
Productions should discuss these risks with young people including how to keep themselves safe and mitigate any risks, and who to report any concerns to. It is also beneficial to confirm that parents/guardians understand the risks associated with using the internet/apps as technology is ever-changing and they may not be aware of current trends and risks. Further information is available for children, parents/carers and staff, including ‘How To’ Guides to privacy settings on prevalent social media apps on the website
Children also need to be given information about what to do if they experience difficulties online after the content is published or broadcast, for example, if they are bullied, abused, or approached by someone they don’t know who makes them uncomfortable. This can include blocking and reporting to the social networking site, but in more serious cases means they can also contact the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Safeguarding Team and we will do what we can to help with the situation.
