3.2. Describe the risks and possible consequences for children and young people using the internet, mobile phones and other technologies

This guide will help you answer 3.2. Describe the risks and possible consequences for children and young people using the internet, mobile phones and other technologies.

Children and young people use the internet, mobile phones and other technologies every day. These tools can offer learning, entertainment and social contact. However, there are risks that can affect safety, wellbeing and development. Some consequences can be serious and long lasting.

It is important to clearly understand what these risks look like. By being clear, you can better help protect children and young people from harm. This guide covers the main risks and their possible consequences.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

Children can come across content that is not suitable for their age. This includes violent images, sexual material, or content that promotes dangerous behaviour. Often this can happen by accident when searching online or clicking on links.

Possible consequences include:

• Fear, confusion or distress after seeing disturbing images
• Copying harmful behaviours seen online
• Growing up with false ideas about relationships, sex or violence
• Loss of trust in adults if children feel unsupported after exposure

Young children may struggle to tell the difference between fiction and reality. This can lead them to believe unsafe behaviour is normal. Older children may face peer pressure to engage with similar material.

Online Bullying

Cyberbullying happens when someone uses technology to hurt or upset another person. This may be through mean messages, posting embarrassing photos, or spreading rumours.

Consequences for the child or young person can include:

• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety or depression
• Withdrawal from school or friendships
• In extreme cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Bullying online can feel harder to escape compared to face-to-face bullying, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. Negative comments and images can be shared widely, making the harm feel bigger.

Grooming and Sexual Exploitation

Grooming occurs when someone builds a connection with a child or young person to abuse or exploit them, often sexually. This can start by chatting online, offering gifts, or showing interest in their life.

Possible consequences include:

• Physical and emotional harm
• Feelings of shame, guilt or confusion
• Difficulty trusting others later in life
• Risk of sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy

Often groomers hide their real identity or pretend to be much younger than they are. They may ask for secret meetings or request sexual images, which can later be used to threaten or coerce the child.

Loss of Privacy and Data Theft

Children and young people can easily share too much personal information online. This can include home addresses, school names, phone numbers or personal photos.

Consequences include:

• Identity theft
• Fraud against the child or their family
• Use of private details to locate and contact the child
• Increased risk of stalking or unwanted contact

Information posted online can stay there permanently. Even deleting it may not remove it from other people’s devices or saved copies.

Fraud and Financial Exploitation

Scams can target children and young people through games, apps or social media. They may be tricked into giving payment details or buying fake goods.

Possible consequences:

• Loss of money
• Family bank accounts being compromised
• Emotional upset at being tricked
• Less confidence in using technology safely

Some games encourage in-app purchases. Without understanding the costs, children may spend large amounts without their parents’ permission.

Mental Health Impact

Too much screen time can lead to poor sleep and reduced activity. Constant comparison to others online can affect confidence. Exposure to harsh comments can lead to feelings of worthlessness.

Consequences for mental health include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating in school
• Poor social skills in face-to-face situations

Technology can create pressure to be available and responsive at all times. This constant demand can be exhausting for children and young people.

Radicalisation

Some groups use online platforms to encourage children and young people to adopt extreme beliefs. This process is called radicalisation.

Possible consequences:

• Believing harmful or false ideas
• Isolating from family and friends
• Being pressured into unsafe or illegal acts
• Risk of contact with dangerous individuals or groups

Children may be targeted through gaming communities or social media spaces that feel friendly at first.

Physical Safety Risks Linked to Technology

Using phones or tablets while walking or crossing roads can cause accidents. Online contact can lead to meeting strangers in person, which creates significant risk.

Possible consequences include:

• Injury from accidents
• Assault by someone met online
• Unable to call for help if device is taken

Technology can affect physical health in other ways too, such as causing eyestrain, headaches or poor posture.

Impact on Social Skills

Heavy use of technology can replace face-to-face interaction. This can affect how children learn social cues and build friendships.

Consequences include:

• Difficulty maintaining real-life friendships
• Reduced ability to read facial expressions or tone of voice
• Feeling isolated even when regularly using devices

Missing out on real-life play and conversation can slow emotional development in younger children.

Addiction and Dependence on Technology

Children can develop habits of using devices constantly. Gaming, social media and video streaming can become addictive.

Possible consequences:

• Ignoring homework or responsibilities
• Staying inside all day
• Declining physical fitness
• Conflict with family over device use

Addiction can be hard to break and may need support from parents, carers or professionals.

Peer Pressure

Children can be influenced by friends online to take part in risky acts, such as sharing personal photos or joining unsafe challenges.

Consequences include:

• Embarrassment or regret after posting images
• Exposure of personal information to strangers
• Risky behaviours becoming normal in peer groups

Online challenges can range from harmless fun to life-threatening activities.

Misuse of Camera and Recording Functions

Mobile phones and tablets make recording and sharing images easy. Some children may share images without asking permission.

Possible consequences:

• Breach of privacy for others
• Legal consequences if the image is sexual in nature and involves minors
• Damaging reputations
• Emotional distress for those involved

Images can be shared widely within seconds, making control over personal media difficult.

Hacking and Malware

Children may download unsafe apps or click on suspicious links. This can let hackers access devices.

Possible consequences:

• Loss of files and data
• Device damage
• Use of stolen information for criminal activity
• Costs to repair or replace devices

Some hackers target gaming accounts to steal rewards or sell fake upgrades.

Over-information and Misinformation

The internet contains huge amounts of information, not all of it accurate. Young people may base decisions on false information.

Possible consequences:

• Unsafe health choices
• Developing prejudice or stereotypes
• Poor academic research skills
• Spread of false facts within their peer group

Children may believe content is true if it looks convincing, without checking reliable sources.

Over-sharing Location Data

Phones and apps often track location through GPS. If children do not turn off location sharing, strangers may see where they are.

Possible consequences:

• Increased risk of being followed or approached
• Gathering of information for targeted scams or exploitation
• Difficulty staying safe when meeting someone

Location sharing can also help bullies track where a victim spends time.

Final Thoughts

Technology can offer many benefits, but it carries risks that should not be ignored. Children and young people often trust what they see online and may not know how to protect themselves. Risks range from exposure to unsuitable content to direct harm through exploitation or bullying.

Helping children use technology safely means staying informed about the tools they use. Adults can teach safe habits, encourage open conversation, and set clear boundaries without cutting children off completely from the positive aspects of technology. With guidance, children and young people can enjoy the benefits while staying alert to the dangers.