We live in a world where online communication, work, education, resources, entertainment, and social media is ever-present. This is a quickly evolving world with new social media platforms, new trends and new vocabulary produced all the time. The first search engines and social media were developed in the 90s so adults in their 30s now have never experienced a life without the internet. The internet, together with the mobile phone has changed the pattern of social relationships, their construction, negotiation, scope and timeframe.
There are many positives and benefits of this digital world, which can be used to support children and young people – with education, creativity, escape/mindfulness, direct support e.g. counselling, and peer support e.g. health condition groups, communication, maintaining relationships and friendships (particularly if difficult to do in real life), and resources. We recognise that not having access to the online world, ‘digital poverty’ can be harmful in itself.
Helping children to understand the internet and how to use it is critical in today's digital landscape. When we think about keeping our children and young people safe online, we need to move away from restriction to moderation and empowering them to be resilient. We need to be able to promote digital competence and resilience.
Blogs by Dr Vicki Walker
Navigating online life with children and young people
Dr Vicki Walker shares her plans for working towards keeping children and young people safe online. She suggests that we need to move away from restriction and towards moderation, to empower children and young people to become resilient.
Read moreOnline life for a child in care
For children and young people their online life is as real to them as their real life. This article considers the positives and negatives of online life, why children in care are more vulnerable, and the specific impact for child protection and health.
Read moreSafer Internet Day 2024
Safer Internet Day is a global initiative to promote safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology by children and young people. Our Adoption Consultant Jane Poore and Dr. Vicki Walker discussed the complexities of safeguarding in the digital world and what this could mean for social work practitioners in the children and families sector.