Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Staff should read "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (pages 206 to 207) and Child Abuse and Information Technology which provides notes of guidance for professionals, available from the document library attached to these procedures. The NSPCC web site has information on using images of children on web sites and agencies who would wish to advertise on the web using such images should be guided by this. Education staff should read Safe use of ICT Systems in Schools available in the document library.
The E-safety sub group has developed a strategic plan for safeguarding children. The plan includes details of the membership of the sub group and an evaluation of progress towards national and local objectives. The plan can be found in the document library.
Foster Carers and Children's Residential Home staff must also read "Child Protection and ICT – Guidance for Carers" also available in the document library.
ICT involves the use of mobile phones, text messaging, photograph transmission, internet chat rooms, discussion forums, bulletin boards, web cam encounters etc. which give electronic access to information. Guidance concerning the taking of photographs in schools has been published by the Information Commissioners Office and is available in the document library. Other organisations may find this helpful when considering the photography of children undertaking activities.
The risks are that the child or young person is:
- over-using ICT to the point of inhibiting the development of social relationships, or promoting obesity due to lack of physical exercise
- masking a problem which exists for which they have no solution
- being groomed for an inappropriate or abusive relationship
- accessing adult pornography or extreme examples of violence
- being bullied by others
- bullying others by phone, text, e-mail etc.
- recording and transmitting the violent attack of another child ("happy slapping")
A trusted adult having an open relationship with the child or young person and who is committed to taking positive action is the most effective safeguard. A family member is preferred for this role, however professionals need to be aware of each child's circumstances and, if necessary, jointly consider who could fulfill such a role for them.