Online Safety

The internet is a wonderful resource: a space for community, creativity and education. But just as there are dangers in the real world, we don’t instantly become safe from these dangers once we are behind a screen. Ultimately, we are still taking some level of risk whether we are logging into social media, entering payment details or downloading.

There is a growing concern about children and young people being kept safe online. If they have been a victim of sexual violence, the experience for some can leave them feeling isolated and wanting to turn to social media.

We currently offer an Online Safety session for anyone under 18 who are already accessing support with SV2, either in the ISVA or therapy service.

This session can take place at any of our sites (Alfreton, Derby or Buxton), but most often our Childrens Independent Sexual Violence Officer (ChISVA) can meet the client at their school. It is approximately one hour and covers topics such as social media, understanding the digital footprint and online grooming. It is not designed to be a lecture on what you should or shouldn’t be doing, but rather a discussion about how you and others behave online and how you protect yourself.

For parents

Parents sometimes feel that the online world is one they are unfamiliar with and worry about the dangers their children may be confronted with.

Our Online Safety officer can also meet with parents and offer advice and guidance, or can send relevant materials so parents feel better equipped.

Useful Websites:

• UK Safer Internet
• Childnet
• Common Sense Media
• NSPCC’s Net Aware
• Thinkuknow

“I didn’t realise how much information people could find out about online.”

If you are interested in using this service you can contact your ISVA or therapist who can refer you.