Maintaining the Connection Through Online Safeguarding

When our young people disconnect from their nearest and dearest, and fully immerse themselves in an online world, they are sometimes drawn to making drastic decisions.

Christianne Boudreau’s son was brutally taken away from her while fighting for Daesh at the age of 22. She explains in this video how a cycle of disagreements and arguments at home can push young people further away. She also stresses how important it is to offer different perspectives when talking to young people about current events, so that they move beyond a black and white view of the world. There are so many activities that children and teenagers can engage with, too, to understand their potential and feel a sense of purpose.

When facing these challenges, it’s crucial to note that online safeguarding is essential and can vary for different age groups. As a parent, sibling or friend, the right communication can help develop an open relationship in which the person in question will have a space to re-think their decisions.

It is important to familiarise yourself with the social media platforms being used by the loved one you are worried about. Show an interest in how they are spending time online and get involved. Find out who their ‘friends’ are online and have a clear conversation about which things are okay to talk about, and which topics should remain private. Depending on their age, set rules for how long they spend online.

For more information, please have a look at the full NSPCC guidelines here, as well as Get Safe Online’s detailed age-specific posts. You’re also welcome to contact us for further information and support.