Online abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the internet, accessed on mobile phones, laptops, computers, tablets, webcams, cameras and games consoles. Children and young people may experience different types of abuse :. Children need to be aware of the impact that their online activity can have on both themselves and other people, and the digital footprint that they create on the internet.
The importance of reporting inappropriate conversations, messages, images and behaviours should be stressed, and information given on how this can be done.
It is important for children to realise that new friends made online may not be who they say they are and that once a friend is added to an online account, you may be sharing your personal information with them. If there are concerns about a child being the subject of inappropriate sexual contact or approach by another person, it should be reported to the police via the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre www.
If there is an urgent safeguarding concern then call the police on Children and young people should be discouraged from taking sexually explicit pictures of themselves and sharing them on the internet or by text. It is essential that young people understand the legal implications and the risks they are taking. Once an image has been sent, it could be shared with others or posted elsewhere online.
In some cases, adults may also coerce a young person into sending such images which can then be used to blackmail and ensnare them sextortion.
