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5.5 Online safety: Children exposed to abuse through digital media

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Online Safety or ‘E’-Safety are generic terms that refer to raising awareness about how children, young people and adults can protect themselves when using digital technology and in the online environment.

‘Online Abuse’ relates to the following areas of abuse to children:

  • Abusive images of children, a child or young person being groomed for the purpose of Sexual Abuse or exposure to pornographic images via the Internet
  • The use of the internet, and in particular social media, gaming sites and apps to engage children in extremist ideologies or criminal behaviours (e.g. county lines)
  • Extreme material and websites including those promoting negative lifestyle choices, for example self harm / suicide and pro-anorexia
  • The use of the internet to threaten, harass, bully and humiliate children and young people (e.g. cyber bullying and relationship abuse)

The term digital and interactive technology covers a range of electronic tools. These are constantly being upgraded and their use has become more prevalent. The internet can be accessed on a wealth of devices including mobile phones, laptops, computers, tablets, webcams, cameras and games consoles.

When communicating via the internet, children and young people tend to become less inhibited and talk about things far more openly than they might when communicating face to face.

Children and young people should be supported to understand that when they use digital technology they should not give out personal information, particularly their name, address or school, mobile phone numbers to anyone they do not know or trust: this particularly includes social networking, apps and online gaming sites. If they have been asked for such information, they should always check with their parent / carer or other trusted adult before providing such details.

Whilst young people should be discouraged from meeting somebody face to face whom they have only previously met online, we recognise that this does happen and advise that they always take a parent / carer or trusted adult with them.

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. It is illegal to create, possess or distribute an indecent image of a child (under 18), even if it is a self-generated image or ‘selfie’. Children and young people also need to be made aware of the long-term impact of sharing images such as the detrimental impact on future employment prospects or relationships. The initial risk posed by sexting may come from peers, friends and others in their networks who may share the images. Once an image has been sent, it could be shared with others or posted elsewhere online.

In some cases, individuals may also coerce a young person into sending such images which can then be used to blackmail and ensnare them (sextortion) – see Child Sexual Exploitation Procedure.

The Criminal Justice and Courts Act (2015) introduced the offence of Revenge Porn, where intimate images are shared with the intent to cause distress to the specific victim. 

Children and young people should be advised to look at ‘safety centres’ on the sites and apps that they use to ensure that their privacy settings are as secure as possible, in order to protect their personal information and avoid strangers making contact.

It is key to remember that the internet can also be a support mechanism for children and young people, where they can contact friends / family and obtain advice.  Where possible and appropriate, working with the child to use the internet safely after an incident will more beneficial than removing their access and / or devices.

The internet can be used for many positive purposes, however social networking, gaming sites and apps are often used by perpetrators as an easy, quick way to engage with children and young people with the intention of grooming or exploiting them. They may be exposed to new influences and potentially risky or extreme behaviours, through influence from peers and / or influence from older people and groups.

Both male and female adults and some young people may use the internet to sexually harm children and young people. Some do this by looking at, taking and/or distributing photographs and video images on the internet of children and young people in various states of undress, sexual poses and/or being sexually abused. Any indecent or obscene image involving a child has, by its very nature, involved a person who, in creating that image has been party to abusing that child. There is some evidence from Police Investigations that people found in possession of indecent images/pseudo images or films/videos of children and young people may currently, or in the future become involved directly in child abuse themselves.

The perpetrators access to children and young people should be established during an assessment, to consider the possibility that they may be actively involved in the abuse of children and young people including those within the family, within employment contexts or in other settings such as voluntary work with children and young people or other positions of trust.

Internet abuse may also include cyber bullying or online bullying (see Bullying). This is when a child is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child or adult using the Internet and/or mobile devices. It is possible for one victim to be bullied by many perpetrators. In any case of severe bullying it may be appropriate to consider the behaviour as child abuse by another young person - see Children who Abuse Others and Domestic Abuse

Sexting describes the use of technology to generate images, text or videos that are of a sexual nature. The content can vary, from text messages to images of partial nudity to sexual images or video. These images are then shared between young people and/or adults and with people they may not even know. Young people are not always aware that their actions are illegal and the increasing use of smart phones has made the practice much more common place.

Where settings have concerns regarding sexting, national guidance should be followed.

All incidents will need to be recorded (not reported) including both the actions taken as well as the actions not taken with justifications.

The chapters relating to Organised and Complex Abuse and Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers should be borne in mind depending on the circumstances of the concerns.

Live streaming is the broadcasting of live video on the internet from a specific location in real-time, like live TV. It differs from video chat or call services, as videos can be watched by many more people. Live streaming videos are live and cannot be edited. While live streaming can have benefits such as building confidence, getting a sense of achievement and connecting with like-minded people there are also risks such as negative comments / cyberbullying, the potential of 'live grooming' and sharing too much information.

Curiosity could lead children and young people to seek out or be sought out and befriended by people or groups that exploit them or encourage them to adopt beliefs, views and actions that may be illegal or considered to be extreme, for example: adopting an unhealthy lifestyle; extreme views and ideologies or becoming involved in illegal behaviour on and offline (e.g. county lines, sexual exploitation)

Children and young people may also be exposed to age inappropriate materials while using the internet or through social networks and gaming sites, for example pornographic or other offensive / inappropriate material. This may also impact negatively on their behaviour.

The initial indicators of child abuse are likely to be changes in behaviour and mood of the child victim including a change in their use of the internet enabled devices (e.g. increase or decrease). Clearly such changes can also be attributed to many innocent events in a child’s life and cannot be regarded as diagnostic. However changes to a child’s circle of friends or a noticeable change in attitude towards the use of devices could have their origin in abusive behaviour. Similarly a change in their friends or not wanting to be alone with a particular person may be a sign that something is upsetting them.

Often issues involving child abuse come to light through an accidental discovery of images on a computer or other device and can seem to emerge ‘out of the blue’ from an otherwise trusted and non-suspicious individual. This in itself can make accepting the fact of the abuse difficult for those who know and may have trusted that individual.

Children and young people often show us rather than tell us that something is upsetting them. There may be many reasons for changes in their behaviour, but if we notice a combination of worrying signs it may be time to call for help or advice.

If a child is at immediate risk of harm contact the police.

Where there is suspected or actual evidence of anyone accessing or creating indecent images of children and young people, concerns about a child being groomed for any form of exploitation or radicalisation purposes, exposed to pornographic material or contacted by someone inappropriately, via the internet or other ICT tools such as a mobile phone this must be referred to the police and/or children’s social care in line with the Referrals procedure (taking into account the sexting guidance below).

The Serious Crime Act (2015) has introduced an offence of ‘sexual communication with a child’. This applies to an adult who communicates with a child and, where the communication is sexual, or if it is intended to elicit from the child a communication which is sexual, and the adult reasonably believes the child to be under 16 years of age. The Act also amended the Sex Offences Act 2003 so it is now an offence for an adult to arrange to meet with someone under 16 having communicated with them on just one occasion, previously it was on at least two occasions.

Due to the nature of this type of abuse and the possibility of the destruction of evidence, the referrer should first discuss their concerns with the Police and / or Children’s Social Care before raising the matter with the family. This will enable a joint decision to be made about informing the family and ensuring that the child’s welfare is safeguarded.

Where there are concerns relating to cyberbullying, the settings anti-bullying policy should be followed. Head teachers have powers to discipline pupils for poor behaviour outside of the school premises which includes online behaviour. If there is a criminal element to an incident (such as assault or harassment) the decision may be made to contact the police who will deal positively with all reports of criminal activity (whether received from within school / college or from another individual).

Where a sexting (youth produced sexual imagery) incident has taken place, settings should follow the national guidance: ‘ Sharing nudes and semi-nudes: How to respond to an incident’  

Where there are concerns in relation to a child’s exposure to extremist materials, the child’s school may be able to provide advice and support: all schools are required to identify a Prevent Single Point of Contact (SPOC) who is the lead for safeguarding in relation to protecting individuals from radicalisation and involvement in terrorism. All schools and colleges should have effective monitoring strategies in place that meet safeguarding needs (see Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges - Filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges). If you are concerned about a person or an institution either contact your agency’s safeguarding lead or email CTU_GATEWAY@west-midlands.police.uk.

Suspected online terrorist material can be reported through Report online terrorist material (See Report online terrorist material - GOV.UK). Reports can be made anonymously, although practitioners should not do so as they must follow the procedures for professionals. Content of concern can also be reported directly to social media platforms. (See Safety features on social networks - UK - Safer Internet Centre).

The UK Council for Internet Safety has published guidance to support professionals and to inform policies and procedures related to responding to incidents of online abuse and safeguarding children and young people.

What is victim blaming?

Victim blaming is any language or action that implies (whether intentionally or unintentionally) that a person is partially or wholly responsible for abuse that has happened to them. It is harmful and can wrongfully place responsibility, shame or blame onto a victim, making them feel that they are complicit or responsible for the harm they have experienced.

Why is victim blaming harmful?

Blaming children and young people for their own abuse is never acceptable. Professionals should clearly understand that children can never be expected to predict, pre-empt or protect themselves from abuse - the responsibility always lies with the person who abused the child or young person.

Direct and indirect victim blaming

Direct victim blaming happens when a child or young person is explicitly held responsible for what has happened to them.

Indirect or unintentional victim blaming can be harder to identify. It often happens when a person is trying to help a child or young person after something has happened to them. However, that ‘help’ reinforces the idea that the child or young person has done something wrong or is responsible for what has happened to them.

Key principles in challenging victim blaming language and behaviours:

  • Remember children lack control in abusive situations
  • Focus on the behaviour of the person who abused the child or young person
  • Be open to children and young people’s lived experiences
  • Explain the impact of victim blaming language and behaviour
  • Review policies and procedures
  • Model the language and behaviour you expect from others
  • Make time for learning and reflection

More information and examples of victim blaming language can be found on the UK Council for Internet Safety’s guidance - Challenging victim blaming language and behaviours when dealing with the online experiences of children and young people

Behaviour that is illegal if committed offline is also illegal if committed online. If cases involve the criminal use of communication systems (i.e. through the use of mobile phones or the internet) the police will deal with them accordingly. Various criminal and civil laws can apply to any misuse of the internet that is seen as harassment, threatening behaviour or cyber-bullying (Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Malicious Communications Act 1988, Section 43 of the Telecommunications Act 1984, Communications Act 2003, Public Order Act 1986).

The Protection of Children Act 1978 makes it an offence to take, permit to be taken, make, possess, show, distribute or advertise indecent images of children in the UK.

Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, the offence of grooming is committed if you are over 18 and have communicated with a child under 16 at least twice (including by phone or using the internet). It is an offence to meet them or travel to meet them anywhere in the world with the intention of committing a sexual offence. Causing a child under 16 to watch a sexual act is illegal, including looking at images such as videos, photos or webcams, for your own gratification. It is also an offence for a person in a position of trust to engage in sexual activity with any person under 18, with whom they are in a position of trust. (Typically, teachers, social workers, health professionals, connexions staff fall in this category of trust). Any sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 13 commits the offence of rape.

Serious Crime Act 2015 introduced the offence of sexual communication with a child. This would criminalise an adult who communicates with a child for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, where the communication is sexual or if it is intended to elicit from the child a communication which is sexual and the adult reasonably believes the child to be under 16.

For further information see:

  • Report an Image or Video: If you are under 18 and an explicit or nude image of you has been shared online, this page can confidentially help you to get it removed. https://contentreporting.childline.org.uk/
  • Report Harmful Content is a national reporting centre that has been designed to assist everyone in reporting harmful content onlinehttps://reportharmfulcontent.com/

For more information on online hate crime visit: https://www.report-it.org.uk/reporting_internet_hate_crime

Education at home

Where children are being asked to learn online at home the Department for Education has provided advice to support schools and colleges do so safely: Safeguarding in schools colleges and other providers and Safeguarding and remote education.

This page is correct as printed on Thursday 21st of November 2024 10:04:24 AM please refer back to this website (http://westmidlands.procedures.org.uk) for updates.