The Road to Online Safety Regulation: Safeguarding Children Against Sexual Harms

Ofcom’s Living Our Lives Online study highlights concerning trends in children’s use of social media, revealing that children as young as five are engaging with platforms like TikTok, despite age restrictions requiring users to be 13 or older.

A significant number of children aged 8-11 have social media profiles, with TikTok being especially popular. The study found that even younger children, some as young as three, are exposed to social media content, although this may involve watching videos with others rather than having their own accounts. This article covers the negative impacts of this uptake including grooming and misogyny, as well as preventative measures.

The research suggests that while social media platforms claim to enforce age restrictions, these rules are not effectively upheld. Many children circumvent these restrictions, using multiple accounts or ‘finstas’ (fake Instagram accounts) to hide their online activities from parents. Some even bypass parental controls.

Finsta Definition: Fake Insta(gram) Account

Parents and guardians face challenges in monitoring their children’s online activities, and the study underlines the importance of maintaining open communication about digital habits. Despite the risks, a majority of teenagers report positive experiences online, believing that social media benefits their mental health.

However, the study also points to widespread overconfidence in identifying misinformation online. Both adults and teenagers often struggle to discern genuine content from fake, highlighting the need for improved media literacy. The UK’s new Online Safety Bill aims to strengthen regulations, but tackling misinformation remains a complex challenge.

Related:

Online Safety in Education: Safeguarding in the Digital Age

What is the Manosphere? Tackling Andrew Tate and Misogyny in Schools

Rise of TikTok, Grooming and Misogyny

In today’s digital age, online safety in schools has become a paramount concern. With the increasing prevalence of internet access among students, the potential for online threats has escalated. A multi-sector approach is crucial in safeguarding students and ensuring a safe online environment. This guide aims to provide police officers with the essential knowledge and strategies to effectively address online safety in schools.

• 80% of children have reported that they wanted to leave a social media platform for their wellbeing, but felt they were unable to do so (YoungMinds, 2023)
• 36% of children aged 8-17 have said they had seen something ‘worrying or nasty’ online in the past year (Ofcom, 2022)
• According to the NSPCC, in the last 5 years there has been an 82% rise in online grooming crimes against children. Since 2017, at least 1 in 20 children have experienced online sexual risks or harm (NSPCC, 2023)

Understanding Online Threats

1. Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying involves using digital platforms to harass, threaten, or demean others. It can have severe emotional and psychological impacts on students. Police officers should be vigilant in identifying signs of cyberbullying and collaborate with school authorities to address incidents promptly.
2. Online Predators: Online predators exploit the anonymity of the internet to groom and exploit young individuals. Police officers must educate students and parents about the dangers of interacting with strangers online and promote safe online behaviour.
3. Sexting and Sharing of Explicit Content: The sharing of explicit content among students is a growing concern. It not only exposes students to potential blackmail but also legal consequences. Police officers should work with schools to raise awareness about the risks and legal implications of sharing explicit content.
4. Radicalisation and Extremism: The internet is a powerful tool for radicalisation and spreading extremist ideologies. Police officers should be trained to recognise signs of radicalisation and work with educational institutions to counteract extremist influences.

Case Study: Andrew Tate

Andrew Tate is a controversial online personality known for promoting misogynistic and extreme ideologies. He 45% of 16-24-year-old males have a positive opinion of Andrew Tate. A popular response when asked why they held a positive view of Andrew Tate was “he gives good advice” (YouGov, 2023).

Preventive Measures

1. Education and Awareness: Conduct workshops and seminars for students, teachers, and parents on online safety. Educate them about the types of online threats, safe online practices, and how to report suspicious activities.
2. Collaboration with Schools: Establish a strong partnership with school administrations. Regularly communicate with school authorities to stay informed about any online safety issues and develop a coordinated response plan.
3. Implementation of Policies: Advocate for the development and enforcement of comprehensive online safety policies within schools. These policies should cover acceptable use of technology, reporting mechanisms, and consequences for violations.
4. Monitoring and Surveillance: While respecting privacy laws, work with schools to implement appropriate monitoring tools to detect and prevent online threats. Ensure that any surveillance measures are transparent and have the consent of all stakeholders.

Response Strategies

1. Immediate Action: In cases of immediate threat or harm, such as online grooming or cyberbullying, take swift action to protect the affected student. This may involve removing harmful content, providing support to the victim, and investigating the perpetrator.
2. Support Systems: Establish support systems for victims of online abuse. This includes counselling services, legal assistance, and continuous monitoring to ensure their safety.
3. Legal Framework: Familiarise yourself with the legal framework regarding online safety. Ensure that any actions taken comply with the law and respect the rights of all individuals involved.
4. Reporting and Documentation: Encourage the reporting of online safety incidents. Maintain detailed documentation of all reported incidents and actions taken. This not only helps in tracking trends but also provides a basis for legal proceedings if necessary.

Engaging the Community

1. Community Outreach: Engage with the broader community to promote online safety. Participate in community events, distribute educational materials, and use social media platforms to spread awareness.
2. Parental Involvement: Encourage parents to be proactive in their children’s online activities. Provide them with resources and training to understand online risks and how to mitigate them.
3. Youth Participation: Involve students in online safety initiatives. Empower them to be digital leaders who can advocate for safe online practices among their peers.

Online safety in schools is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of police officers, educators, parents, and students. By understanding the nature of online threats, implementing preventive measures, and responding effectively to incidents, police officers can play a pivotal role in creating a safe and secure online environment for students. Continuous education, collaboration, and community engagement are key to safeguarding the digital lives of young individuals.

To hear the latest updates on Online Safety and safeguarding children in the precarious online landscape.

Online Safety Conference: Safeguarding Children in a Digital World

Keynote: Safeguarding Children Against Sexual Harms and Pornography Online

Jessica Edwards,

Senior Policy Adviser – Childhood Harms,

• Join us at The Online Safety Conference 2024: Safeguarding Children in a Digital World to hear experts discuss the latest initiatives and approaches to help protect children against online harms.
• Engage with best practice case studies addressing issues such as safeguarding children against radicalisation, engaging with parents and carers on online safety, and offering trauma-informed responses to online abuse.
• Speakers include Online Safety Act contributors: Ofcom, The NSPCC, Barnardos, and more.
• You will also have the opportunity to network with senior colleagues from the public and voluntary sectors to share common challenges and initiate support in protecting children online.