As government and society review and regulate the online activities of children and young people, we should not only focus on the safeguarding risks associated with online activities but the benefits and opportunities for help seeking that digital technologies provide.
Safeguarding children and young people reduces the risk of being exposed to inappropriate websites, engaging with predators and seeing content that can have negative impacts on their development. However, the online environment also provides access to mental health supports, self-help resources and outlets that provide them with social support and self-care activities.
As yourtown works through a digital transformation young people are telling us that there is a greater need for information and support to be available for them where they are at. Our work has highlighted that online platforms, communication and activities form a key resource for young people as a coping strategy, a space to connect or disconnect from harmful experiences and empowers them to reach out for and access support.
Digital avenues for communication for example webchat and telehealth can provide safe and effective avenues for connection. Increased regulation regarding the age that children can access online support without parental consent could create a situation where children and young people are unable to access support when it is most needed.
As awareness and reporting of abuse increases, stronger regulatory practices could create a situation where perpetrators of abuse will be given more power as the gatekeepers to online support. This is particularly important when we consider the issue of parental consent. Digitial support services, including crisis support offer by Kids Helpline is sometimes the only available option for children and young people seeking help and protection. We need to ensure young people can access support without having to ask for permission from those that are inflicting harm.