Council launches support to help keep young people safe online
The webpage gives parents and guardians information about different aspects of online harms, with details of further information and where support is available.
The webpage brings together links to trusted sources of information and local support relating to wider health and wellbeing recognising the broad range of impacts that using digital devices and online spaces can have for children and young people.
Young Gloucestershire are one of the partners the council consulted with to develop the webpage and help provide expert insight into the needs of children and young people.
Young Gloucestershire provides young people with support and seeks to help them to develop the skills they need to thrive.
As part of the county council’s commitment to stopping the risk of harm to children and young people, the council is also working with Young Gloucestershire to develop and deliver additional youth worker support to those experiencing harm online.
The Online Harms portal was launched at Young Gloucestershire’s headquarters in Gloucester on Tuesday, March 11.
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Cabinet member responsible for Public Health at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Online spaces and digital technology are a typical part of growing up for a lot of children, providing benefits and opportunities for them. It is natural for parents and carers to be concerned about the potential risks or harms that their children being online might bring.
“I am delighted that we have been able to launch this resource to support parents to understand the risks online, and what they can do to help.”
Tracy Clark, CEO Young of Gloucestershire, said: “The online space is a prominent area for young people offering opportunities to: socialise, connect and learn. However, it also presents a challenge for young people to be exploited, mis-informed and have a negative impact on mental health. We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with GCC to raise awareness of the online challenges and provide support to young people who are being negatively impacted.”
The Online Harms portal can be viewed on the council’s website.