With most children and young people on devices in their free time, online child-on-child abuse has become more common. But while schools receive training in online bullying and general child-on-child abuse, they are less likely to have training in abuse that happens online in particular.
We created this tips guide with insight from online safety expert Karl Hopwood and psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos to help educators understand child-on-child abuse and how to deal with it if it happens.
Child-on-child abuse is when one child or young person causes harm to another. This can be at school, online or in other social situations. KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education) lists these as some forms of child-on-child abuse, though it can be many things:
Teachers and school staff should be aware of the different types of child-on-child abuse and have opportunities to talk about specific cases.
It is important to report/log even the smallest concerns that you might have. Although it may appear insignificant, it could be crucial when seen as part of a bigger picture or a pattern of behaviour over a longer period of time. The DSL (Designated Safeguard Lead) will have the overview when many (indeed most) other staff will not.
Teachers and schools need to be supportive about any incidents that have taken place outside of the school setting and also adopt an “it could happen here” stance.
It is important to not dismiss child-on-child abuse as “banter” or “part of growing up” or “just having a laugh” or “boys being boys”. This is clearly highlighted in KCSIE and it is crucial that young people are not given the impression that this is the view of the school or staff. Everyone should be clear that their concerns will be taken seriously.
Remember that it can be incredibly difficult for children and young people to talk about child-on-child abuse. As such, schools should make every effort to create safe spaces where young people can talk about what has happened to them.
Be clear about the process, don’t make promises to keep what they tell you secret if there are safeguarding concerns but explain what will happen if someone discloses child-on-child abuse.
Reporting routes are vitally important, and young people should be aware of what is available. As they get older, they are less likely to speak to a parent/carer or teacher and are more likely to try and deal with it themselves. Schools should clearly signpost possible reporting routes:
See related advice and practical tips to support children online: