SECTION 8
Recognising signs of online abuse
Identifying signs of abuse early, and taking action, is important in protecting children and young people.
Online abuse can be categorised as any type of harmful contact that happens on the internet. It can happen on any connected device, and on any platform e.g., social media, online chats, voice chat in games, comments on live streaming sites, text and messaging apps, email, and private messaging. Children and young people can be at risk of online abuse from people they already know offline, as well as from those that they only know online.
Children and young people may experience various kinds of abuse online, including bullying, emotional abuse, online sexual harassment, exploitation or coercion, and online hate. These incidents may also be in conjunction with physical, emotional, or sexual abuse that’s happening offline, such as bullying or an abusive relationship.Â
Children and young people can also be groomed online. This is a process of manipulation to develop a relationship with a child, with the intention of exploiting them and causing them harm. Harm caused by grooming can be sexual abuse, both in person and online, and exploitation to obtain sexually explicit images and videos of the child, including those that are taken by the child themself. Grooming techniques could also be used to radicalise someone, or to obtain financial information from the child or their family.
There are certain warning signs to look out for that may indicate a child is experiencing abuse or other difficulties online. For example, the child might:
- Make changes in their internet use, e.g., they start spending a lot more or a lot less time online than usual.
- Want to stop using apps and services or participating in offline activities that they previously enjoyed.
- Display unexplained changes in their behaviour such as becoming withdrawn, distant, upset, or angry after going online or using their devices.
- Become more secretive about their online activities; for example, not wanting to share information about who they’re talking to and what they’re doing online, and isolating themselves (closing their door, or leaving the room) to use their devices.
- Mention names of friends, contacts, or followers that you are unaware of and be vague, or unwilling to talk, about who they are.
- Start to talk about more adult issues, demonstrate behaviours, or use language that is inappropriate for their age.
- Have unexplained gifts, credits, or money to spend online.
The effects of online and offline abuse are wide-ranging, and can lead to a child or young person:
- Experiencing problems with their sleeping, including having nightmares.
- Being extremely tired and having difficulty concentrating.
- Displaying behavioural problems or falling behind at school.
- Becoming socially withdrawn.
- Being more emotional or experiencing unusual outbursts of anger.
- Taking less care of their appearance or presentation.
- Mention names of friends, contacts, or followers that you are unaware of and be vague, or unwilling to talk, about who they are.
- Start to talk about more adult issues, demonstrate behaviours, or use language that is inappropriate for their age.
- Have unexplained gifts, credits, or money to spend online.
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