3.2 Identify the risks and possible consequences for children and young people of being online and using digital mobile devices

This guide will help you answer 3.2 Identify the risks and possible consequences for children and young people of being online and using digital mobile devices.

Children and young people now spend a great deal of time using the internet and mobile devices. These include smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles and smart TVs. While these technologies offer learning opportunities and social connections, they also present risks. These risks can affect emotional well-being, safety and physical health.

It is important for anyone working in education or support roles to recognise these risks clearly. This helps to take action to reduce harm and protect children from negative consequences.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

One of the most common risks is the possibility of seeing unsuitable material. This can include sexual images, violent scenes, hateful material or content promoting harmful behaviours such as self-harm or eating disorders.

The consequences may include:

• Distress and confusion
• Imitating risky behaviours
• Developing unhealthy attitudes or beliefs
• Desensitisation to violence or exploitation

Search engines, apps and streaming platforms often include safeguards, but these can be bypassed if safety settings are not in place or are turned off.

Contact with Strangers

Children and young people can be contacted by strangers online through social media, chat forums, games with online chat, or messaging apps.

This can lead to:

• Grooming for sexual abuse or exploitation
• Coercion into sharing personal information
• Pressure to meet in person
• Being tricked into giving money or gifts

Predators often build trust slowly before taking advantage. The consequences can be severe and long-lasting, affecting mental health and personal safety.

Cyberbullying

Online bullying takes place through messages, social media, forums, photo sharing or gaming platforms. It can include threats, spreading rumours, harassment, exclusion from groups or sharing humiliating material.

Impacts include:

• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety and depression
• Emotional withdrawal
• Decline in school performance
• In extreme cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Cyberbullying is very damaging because it can happen 24 hours a day. The victim may feel there is no escape.

Sharing Personal Information

Children and young people may share private details online without realising the risks. This might include their full name, home address, school name, phone number, or daily routines.

Risks include:

• Identity theft
• Fraud
• Being targeted by criminals
• Physical harm from revealing where they can be found

Once shared, information can spread quickly and be difficult to remove.

Sexting and Sharing Explicit Images

Some young people may feel pressured into sharing sexual images or videos of themselves. This can happen within relationships or from unsolicited requests.

Possible consequences:

• Images being shared more widely without consent
• Criminal charges for creating or sending indecent images of a minor, even if the person is under 18 themselves
• Emotional distress, shame or regret
• Loss of control over personal privacy

The long-term impact can be damaging to future relationships and job prospects.

Online Scams and Fraud

Games, apps and websites sometimes include offers or requests that are scams. Children may be persuaded to make in-app purchases, hand over card details, or click on fake links.

Effects may include:

• Financial loss for families
• Exposure to malware or viruses
• Loss of personal data to hackers

Young people may not notice warning signs until harm has happened.

Addiction to Games or Social Media

Overuse of online games, streaming, or social networks can lead to dependency. The constant desire to check messages, win rewards, or complete challenges can impact daily life.

Consequences can be:

• Ignoring homework or school attendance
• Lack of physical activity
• Poor sleep from late-night use
• Strained relationships with family
• Reduced attention span

Technology addiction can affect social skills and coping abilities.

Radicalisation and Extremist Content

Some groups use the internet to promote extremist views or violent ideologies. They target those who seem vulnerable or isolated, offering a sense of belonging.

Risks include:

• Adopting harmful beliefs
• Being persuaded to take part in illegal activities
• Isolation from friends or family
• Exposure to unsafe situations

Radicalisation can happen through videos, chat rooms, games, or social networking platforms.

Health and Physical Risks

Spending long periods on mobile devices can have an impact on physical health.

Potential issues include:

• Eye strain or headaches
• Poor posture causing back, neck, or shoulder pain
• Repetitive strain injuries in hands or wrists
• Reduced physical fitness from less outdoor activity

Poor sleep is common when screens are used late at night, as the light affects brain activity and sleep cycles.

Privacy Breaches

Online accounts can be hacked if passwords are weak or security measures are not used. Once inside an account, an intruder may post content, send harmful messages, steal information, or delete data.

This can lead to:

• Embarrassing or damaging posts appearing under a person’s name
• Loss of control over private communications
• Blackmail using stolen personal material

A breach can have a lasting effect on trust and confidence.

Location Tracking

Many apps and devices use location services. These can be useful for navigation and safety, but they can also expose where a child lives, studies, or spends time.

Risks include:

• Being followed in person
• Having home addresses revealed
• Strangers turning up in real-life settings

If location tags are added to photos, it can expose patterns of movement.

Consequences for Mental Health

A combination of the above risks can lead to mental health struggles in young people.

Common difficulties can be:

• Increased anxiety from constant online pressures
• Feelings of missing out if they are not connected or included
• Depression linked to negative comparisons with others
• Loneliness even when constantly interacting online

It is important to view online risks as both immediate and long-term mental health concerns.

Overexposure to Advertising and Consumer Pressure

Children are targeted with adverts in videos, games, and apps. They may be persuaded to buy products or in-app features that they do not need.

Effects can include:

• Developing materialistic attitudes
• Pressure on family finances
• Frustration when unable to purchase items

Adverts are often designed to appeal strongly to younger audiences.

Academic Impact

Distraction from schoolwork is common when personal devices are accessible. Alerts from social media or games can interrupt focus during homework or revision.

Possible results:

• Lower grades
• Missed deadlines
• Reduced ability to concentrate on challenging tasks

Digital distractions can become habits that are hard to change.

Encouraging Safe and Responsible Use

Those working with children can use strategies to reduce these risks.

Key actions include:

• Setting clear rules for device use
• Teaching young people about privacy settings and why they matter
• Encouraging open conversations about online life
• Using parental controls where appropriate
• Promoting offline activities to balance screen time

By combining clear boundaries with education, risks can be reduced.

Signs of Online-Related Problems

It can be hard to spot when a young person is facing harm online. Signs to watch for include:

• Sudden changes in mood or behaviour
• Secretive attitude about online activities
• Withdrawal from friends or activities they once enjoyed
• Unexplained financial issues or possessions
• Avoiding school or complaining of illness to stay home

Responding early can stop problems from growing.

The Role of Education and Support Staff

Support staff can:

• Model safe online behaviour
• Reinforce lessons on digital safety given by teachers
• Provide a listening ear for young people who are worried
• Work with parents or carers to promote consistent boundaries
• Report safeguarding concerns quickly to the relevant person in school

Every adult involved in a child’s education can play a part in keeping them safe.

Legal Framework

Several laws in the UK can apply to online risks for children and young people, such as:

• The Data Protection Act 2018 – covers personal data and privacy
• The Protection of Children Act 1978 – relates to indecent images of children
• The Malicious Communications Act 1988 – covers sending threatening or offensive messages
• The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 – covers preventing radicalisation

Legal awareness can help guide responses to online incidents.

Final Thoughts

Online technology and mobile devices are part of everyday life for children and young people. They can offer exciting opportunities for learning, socialising and developing skills. At the same time, without guidance and monitoring, they can expose children to harm.

Understanding the main risks and their possible consequences allows you to take the right steps to protect young people. By staying observant, encouraging open discussion and promoting responsible use, you can help them build confidence to enjoy the benefits of digital devices safely.

The most effective protection comes from a mix of education, clear rules, and a supportive environment where children feel safe to speak up if something online upsets or worries them.