Get Safe Online works alongside several organisations concerned with the online safety of children and young people, and the website is read by many people involved in this work. So I'd like to use this forum to ask you a favour if you're a teacher, headteacher or other education professional, a health professional working with children and young people, or work in children's and young people's services and related organisations (including charitable organisations).
I'm involved in a new piece of research which aims to ascertain the training requirements in relation to the assessment and intervention needs of children, and their families, sexually abused and exploited online – such abuse may involve one or a combination of the following – children made the subjects of child abuse images (CAI), grooming online, cybersex, children sold for sex on or offline, children of adults who download and/or distribute CAI, young people who download CAI, sexting.
The recent CEOP report found that children as young as eight have been blackmailed into sexual acts on the internet or sharing of images online. There is an increasing awareness of the prevalence of the sexual abuse of children online but professionals from Children’s Services, Education, Health and Police have expressed concerns regarding their confidence and competence to cope with cases involving internet related abuse of children. It would appear that there is a dearth of understanding and professional expertise in relation to this particular area of child protection.
In order to ensure that the response to those children harmed reflects current best practice, we need to gain a clearer picture of the training needs of those who work with children.
I have joined forces with The Marie Collins Foundation and Professor Andy Phippen of Plymouth University to undertake the study that will inform a national programme of professional development and specialist training. The online survey is completely confidential and will really only take five minutes to complete, but it is extremely important that we get as many responses as possible. The survey will close on 30th October 2013.
For teachers, head teachers and educational professionals: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GTMDRQX
For health professionals working with children and young people: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GM5R3MY
For children’s and young people’s services and related organisations: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GWZWDZV
Please contribute to this valuable piece of research … your help will be greatly appreciated and will make a difference!
Dr Emma Bond is Deputy Director for iSEED – the Institute for Social, Educational and Enterprise Development at University Campus Suffolk. She is also a Senior Lecturer in the School of Applied Social Sciences at UCS and has extensive research experience in online and new media environments especially in relation to children and young people. Emma is passionate about working with teachers, children’s workforce professionals and parents to raise awareness about the importance of children enjoying the internet and new technologies safely.
