Programme - Day 1
-
Welcome and introduction
-
An update on life online
The digital world is a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment and it can be difficult to keep up. This session will provide an update on key developments in technology including generative AI and some of the risks presented, as well as highlighting opportunities to support the safety of young users of technology such as Safer Internet Day.
Speaker
-
Helping children with disabilities to use the internet more safely: a role for digital resilience
For children with disabilities, being online and part of a well-connected community can have huge benefits. But they encounter more online risks, which can escalate more quickly than for their peers. This session will explore the findings from research led by the University of East Anglia, which highlights the important role of children's service professionals in helping build digital resilience.
Speaker
Lecturer in Education, University of East Anglia
Honorary associate professor, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
-
Not just flirting: the experiences and consequences of young people sharing nude images
Six in 10 girls and three in 10 boys aged 14-to 22 have been asked to share nude images, according to first-of-its-kind research. Revealing Reality investigated the way in which nude-sharing disproportionately and often negatively impacts girls, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ruby Wootton, who led this project, will discuss key findings about what nude image-sharing means for young people’s long-term wellbeing.
-
Break
-
Preventing abuse: lessons from a project working with young people who display harmful sexual behaviour
Around a third of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by children and young people themselves, and increasingly, this involves online behaviours. This presentation outlines learning from an innovative project that worked with young people in Glasgow who displayed online harmful sexual behaviour then collaborated with pupils at a local secondary school to design prevention initiatives.
-
Digital safeguarding and the importance of co-design
Digital safeguarding aims to use technology for good, co-designed with users. However, there has been a fundamental lack of innovation, especially in children’s social care. Dr Sarah Carlick’s research has explored the potential for digital safeguarding initiatives including a platform that would allow children to refer themselves to social services. Her presentation will cover policy, co-designing digital solutions with children and young people, and barriers to implementation.
-
Regulating online safety
The Online Safety Act is a major milestone in the mission to create a safer life online for children and adults in the UK. Ofcom is now the regulator for online safety and has new powers to remove illegal content and protect children from harm. Find out more about the next steps and how you can get involved.
Close of day 1
Programme - Day 2
-
Welcome and introduction
-
A new reality: safeguarding children and immersive technologies
Immersive technology such as a virtual reality and augmented reality offer children and young people incredible opportunities but can also put them at risk of sexual abuse and exploitation. This session will outline some of the risks from emerging technologies and how these might effectively be mitigated, based on the findings of new research commissioned by the NSPCC. What does this new technology mean for professionals and adults in safeguarding children?
-
Adopting a contextual safeguarding approach to radicalisation online
Protecting young people against the threat of extremism and online radicalisation can be challenging. This session will explore how a contextual safeguarding approach can be an effective way to build young people's resilience to these threats and how a resource – that is based on the real-life experiences of three young people - is being used in schools and youth centres.
-
Self-harm and social media: what the research says
A research review by Oxford University and Oxford NHS Foundation Trust suggests viewing images of self-harm on the internet or social media generally has a harmful impact on young people. But linking up with others who self-harm can also have some benefits. This session will look at the mixed picture from research to date and explore what this means for policy and professionals who work with children and young people.
-
Break
-
PANEL DISCUSSION: Social media in the workplace – protecting ourselves and others
Social media can be a great tool to help organisations that work with children, young people and families communicate with service users and reach a wider audience. But it also comes with challenges, including the need to ensure clear boundaries between personal and professional life and risks such as online abuse. A panel representing different sectors will look at how professionals can use social media safely, risks to be aware of, and how to develop a robust social media policy for staff.
Speakers
Chair British Association Social Workers
Royal Society of Medicine Digital Health Council
-
Managing risk and trauma after online sexual offending by a parent
Hundreds of families find out a parent or carer has accessed child sexual abuse material each month. The impact on children and families can be devastating but professionals can make a difference. This session will highlight the research evidence on this type of offending and provide practical advice for professionals on how to safeguard and support families at a time of great emotional distress.
-
When gaming takes over: responding to young people with gaming disorder
When gaming becomes disordered it can have a hugely harmful impact on young lives and the families that try to support them. The National Centre for Gaming Disorders, based at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, is a multi-disciplinary clinic that treats people aged 13 and over who have difficulty controlling their online game use. Find out more about how to spot the signs of gaming disorder, the impact on children, young people and families, when to make a referral and how the clinic works with those affected.
Close of conference