Safeguarding Children and Young People Online: A Short Guide for Busy Practitioners

Though the Internet offers benefits such as connectivity, easily available knowledge, and diverse entertainment, digital technologies also come with a host of dangers. In this evidence-informed, practical guide for social workers, Claudia Megele draws on the latest research, theory, and examples from real-life practice to help social service providers develop an understanding of e-safety and online safeguarding for children, learn how to identify risks, and develop and evaluate effective online safeguarding plans. In a world of sexting, selfies, and Snapchat, Safeguarding Children and Young People Online provides vital information to social workers as well as children’s caregivers and families on how to protect young people from online abuse, detailing such threats as dark play, digital self-harm, grooming, sexualization, and bullying. Featuring informative discussion of key safeguarding principles and a wealth of case studies, it will be an essential reference for social work students and experienced practitioners alike. By helping social workers to consider, mitigate, and manage online risks, as well as to take advantage of online tools, Megele enables them to successfully navigate the swiftly changing landscape of digital technologies.