Highlighting online risks and support
This report provides insight into the online world of the UK’s most vulnerable children.
It focuses on the potential online risks that different groups of vulnerable children may face online. These risks include pressure to sext, cyberbullying, cyber scams or seeing content promoting self-harm, anorexia and suicide.
Find guidance on ways to support vulnerable children, particularly related to the introduction of specialised training and tools across all sectors. These tools should draw on the ability to identify the most likely online issues facing children at greatest risk. Doing so can trigger early intervention.
The study, in partnership with Youthworks and the University of Kingston, used a robust dataset of vulnerable young people’s online experiences.
“This report takes the conversation on – to challenge and inspire all of us; parents, teachers, frontline service workers, and corporate parents to ask better, more nuanced questions, of ourselves and the children and young people in our care.”
The foreword is supported by quotes from Internet Matters Joint CEO, Carolyn Bunting MBE; the Children’s Commissioner For England, Anne Longfield; Barnardos Chief CEO, Javed Khan; and Vulnerabilities Command National Crime Agency, Deputy Director Roy McComb.
“There can be no doubt of the significant change connected technology has had on the day to day lives of children and young people, and the pace at which the technology they are using develops is relentless.”
Part of this report focuses on the inequalities faced online for vulnerable children. Despite many neurodivergent and other vulnerable children relying on digital connection, many support networks are behind in providing online safety for these children.
Children’s vulnerabilities indicate a likelihood of more digital risk. These vulnerable groups include:
Their risk often depends on their vulnerability.
Parents, carers, educators, Service and Industry all have a role to play in keeping vulnerable children safe.
Explore the report’s findings to learn about specific actions needed from each group.
See related advice and practical tips to support children online.
Children’s Commissioner: Report on Vulnerability