ESafety

Children start using computers from a very early age and are increasingly using the internet more and more whether it is at home, in school, on their mobile phones or on a games console such as Xbox. Technology holds future career paths for many young people, especially in Islington with Tech City and Old Street “Silicon Roundabout”.

However, the misuse of these types of technology poses potential dangers and it is important that we are aware of the dangers, minimise the risks and provide information to safeguard the community, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.

The risks include:

• Cyberbullying - bullying or being bullied using any of the above technologies. These include sexting, stalking and harassment
• Inappropriate content - being sent or being invited to view unwelcome content. For example, sexual/pornographic/violent/hateful/racist/homophobic/suicide
• Scams/fraud - being targeted with the intent to obtain money illegally
• Grooming - unwanted approaches of a sexual nature/with sexual intent or with the intent to radicalise
• Online Extremism
• Overuse of technology, including mobile devices and internet

Staff and volunteers who work with children and young people need to have an understanding about using technology securely and appropriately within their role, as well as supporting the children they work with. Staff/volunteers may be victims of cyber-bullying themselves.
Internet safety and knowing how to protect children, young people and staff/volunteers is essential.

For further information please contact Katy Potts katy.potts@islington.gov.uk.