Inclusive Digital Safety is a joint initiative between SWGfL and Internet Matters, providing help, support, and advice for parents and professionals supporting the digital lives of children and young people with special education needs and disabilities, young people who are care-experienced and those who identify as LGBTQ+.
SWGfL, are a not for profit charity with a mission for every child to benefit from technology free from harm. Being one of the partners within the UK Safer Internet Centre, they create innovative services, tools and content, and shape policy, nationally and globally in their extensive work with online safety.
SWGfL has been at the forefront of online safety for the past two decades. They have advised schools, public bodies, industry and governments on appropriate actions to take in regards to safeguarding and advancing positive online safety policies and practices.
As well as offering online safety training sessions for professionals, SWGfL also operate the Professionals Online Safety Helpline (POSH) and the Report Harmful Content platform which supports those looking to remove harmful online content.
Their products such as the award-winning 360 Degree Safe tool has helped over 14,000 schools review their online safety policy and practice and the anonymous reporting tool Whisper has allowed schools to stay in touch with their community whilst giving students the confidence to speak up.
Their outstanding work has brought online safety to the forefront of public attention, ensuring everyone can develop their understanding of what online safety truly means in an ever-changing world.
Inclusive Digital Safety is a collaborative project between Internet Matters and SWGfL dedicated to providing practical advice to ensure all children and young people benefit from connected technology safely.
Research demonstrates that children experiencing vulnerabilities are more exposed to online harm, particularly child sexual abuse. This project seeks to provide the adults working with children with vulnerabilities with the advice and help they need to support young people to ensure they navigate the internet safely.
The hub aims to support children and young people with SEND, care-experienced children and young people, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. There are four key sections:
These resources have been developed in the context of England, however, the information may be useful to individuals/practitioners in Wales.
We’d encourage you to use our supporters’ pack to share the resource with as many parents, carers, and professionals to raise awareness of the hub. Email us at [email protected] if you need further support.
Vulnerable Children in a digital world
Highlighting online risks vulnerable children may face and the support they need
Senior Features and Content Editor at Ditch the Label
Ditch the Label is an international youth charity, supporting young people aged 12-25 through the issues that affect them the most. Whether that’s bullying, mental health, relationships, or identity, we’re here to pick you up when you’re feeling low, by your side when you feel alone, and above all, here when you need us the most. Ditch the Label specialises in any issue that young people deal with, but specifically issues around bullying and mental wellbeing. Visit site
Lecturer in Education
Dr Simon P Hammond is an Applied Psychologist interested in how digital technologies continue to reshape everyday social possibilities for action across the life course and the mental health and resilience implications of our increasingly online world. His work explores how marginalised young and older people experience default assumptions of digital inclusion, participation and equality. Visit site
Executive Headteacher
Dr. Martin Hanbury is the Executive Headteacher of the Chatsworth Multi Academy Trust which serves children and young people with SLD, PMLD, and autism. Martin has worked in the field of SEND for over 30 years in a variety of roles and a range of contexts. He has published several books and articles focusing on pupils with autism and works as a consultant and trainer across the field of SEND.
Senior lecturer
Jane Bradley is a senior lecturer at the University of Chester and Programme Leader of the BA and MA Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. She has worked in a variety of schools including primary, secondary and special since 1992. Her work leading a pupil referral unit (PRU) from 2002 to 2010 ignited her passion to support our most vulnerable children and she went on to work in a variety of senior leadership roles leading SEND. Visit site
Education Consultant, Trustee at Education, and Leadership Trust multi-academy trust.
Allan has held senior leadership positions in a number of primary schools in different local authorities including being a headteacher in north Manchester. For 11 years, Allan was one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors. At Ofsted, he was the regional lead for initial teacher education, the regional lead trainer, and a national trainer for equality and diversity. Since 2019 he has been working as a Manchester LA quality assurance professional.
Making the internet safer and more inclusive
Together with SWGfL we've created this hub to provide online safety advice and guidance to support parents & professionals working with children and young people experiencing vulnerabilities.
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