Catch22’s national survey finds young people and frontline staff demand better protection
More than 70% of young people have seen content online that they’ve found concerning, referring to specific violent and explicit content, according to Catch22’s National Online Harms Consultation results which have now been released.
Young respondents have called for quicker responses to addressing harmful content, blocking fake accounts, and restricting use for harmful users.
The survey, conducted between June and July 2020, gathered insights from 75 frontline youth and support workers and teachers, 22 young people Catch22 works with, and service managers and commissioners nationwide, as well as researchers and tech giants such as Facebook and BT.
Lord Willy Bach, Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner, who commissions the Catch22 Victim First service, supporting victims across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland said:
“It is the responsibility of all of us to protect children and young people and reduce the opportunity for exploitation or harm.
“This survey highlights the need for robust efforts from all partners including the industry itself to prevent young people from becoming victims and suffering horrific experiences which will impact the rest of their lives. It is imperative we work together and that includes listening to young people and their views and reacting appropriately to their concerns.”
Key findings showed that:
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32% of young people have seen harm occur offline because of something which happened online.
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Only 40% report online harms to the platform they are using.
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Only 27% feel safe online all the time.
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73% have seen content online that they’ve found concerning, referring to specific violent and explicit content.
With online harms legislation still being delayed, Catch22 is highlighting the urgent need to recognise what young people want to see to make for a safer online world.
Catch22 will be using the insights from this early-stage consultation to conduct further research, influencing the development of future programmes and existing services.
In the consultation, service commissioners and frontline staff, including teachers and youth workers, also called for more education, both for themselves and parents and guardians.
The full results of the consultation can be viewed here and you can find out more about the work Catch22 is doing to tackle online harms here.
ENDS
To find out more or to request interviews, please contact media@catch-22.org.uk or call 07506 370794.
About Catch22
Catch22 is a social business, a not for profit business with a social mission. For over 200 years we have designed and delivered public services that build resilience and aspiration in people of all ages and within communities across the UK.
We work with young people and families in trouble, delivering intervention and response services across child sexual and criminal exploitation, gang involvement, mental health support, family and social care services. Last year, our 1700 staff supported over 110,000 people to lead better lives.
Posted on Wednesday 12th August 2020