As a mother of 12-year-old twin boys, one of whom has autism, I understand whole heartedly the benefits technology can have on their own personal joy, social development, education, and wellbeing.
I’ve always believed – and Internet Matters was founded on these principles – that the internet is a force for good and used wisely helps us be the best version of ourselves.
Yet undeniably it comes with widespread and often unavoidable risks, particularly for children and young people. Our new report, delivered in partnership with Youthworks, shows in stark detail how those risks are not evenly spread amongst children and that those with vulnerabilities are far more likely to encounter harmful issues online.
The study of more than 6,500 UK children who all identify with some form of vulnerability, opens up a paradox that needs addressing urgently.
The online world has become a lifeline for vulnerable children – yet some are up to seven times more likely to meet particular dangers over the internet than their non-vulnerable peers.