SAFE on NET

Children in the UK at increased risk of digital violation during COVID-19 pandemic 💻

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a global health crisis but also poses a serious security risk – especially when it comes to children and teenagers. With schools closed until June 1 (at earliest), millions of children in the UK have to study and socialize through their computer screens, which in turn makes them more vulnerable online.

Security risks during the COVID-19 pandemic:

- Increased screen time with less supervision might put children at greater risk of cyberbullying and could expose them to harmful content online.

- Not seeing their friends and classmates face-to-face increases the risk of children and teenagers sending intimate photos of themselves to others.

- Sexual predators are looking to exploit the pandemic and will try to engage with children on gaming and social media platforms – thus making children vulnerable to grooming and sexual abuse.