Hub Highlights Newsletter

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Including:

Reporting Barriers Research: Ulster University and SBNI examine why children often don’t disclose online abuse, highlighting vulnerabilities like loneliness and platform accountability.
‘You Won’t Know Until You Ask’: A new UK Government campaign provides parents with practical tools and prompts to start open conversations about harmful online content.
Safer Internet Day 2026: Resources and webinars from the UK Safer Internet Centre focus on the responsible use of AI and navigating “smart tech” safely.
AI-Generated Image Guidance: An SBNI education alert warns of the risks and legalities surrounding the misuse of AI to create harmful or sexualised images of children.
Digital Proficiency Course: Safer Schools NI launches a video-based programme exploring the “5 C’s” of online risk: Content, Contact, Conduct, Commerce, and Cyber Security.
Appearance-Changing Products Online:A report from the Children’s Commissioner reveals the negative impact of illegal weight-loss ads and unrealistic body standards on youth self-esteem.
And More!

Including:

New Hub Features: An overview of the Online Safety Hub’s updated tools, video tours, and accessible features supporting adults, professionals, parents, carers, and young people.
Screens, Safety and Social Media: New Queen’s University Belfast research on harmful and illegal online behaviours affecting young people in Northern Ireland, with insights from the 2025 Young Life and Times survey.
Global Index Findings: Childlight’s latest international report on the prevalence of child sexual exploitation and abuse, including trends in online harms and AI-generated CSAM.
Trust Trap Campaign: New SBNI and PSNI awareness campaign addressing online grooming, sextortion, and fake-profile abuse, supported by resources for schools, youth settings, and families.
Reporting & Feedback: Clear pathways for reporting concerns, plus opportunities for young people and adults to share feedback to shape future Hub content.
And More!

Including:

FMSE Guidance: The NCA, SBNI, and PSNI offer advice for parents on recognising and responding to financially motivated sexual extortion.
Online Safety Policy Templates: The SBNI and NSPCC publish adaptable templates for online safety, photography, and social media policies.
CSE Awareness Webinar: The webinar from the Education Authority helps professionals identify and respond to child sexual exploitation.
Expert Insight Videos: NSPCC Learning shares practitioner and youth perspectives on online safety and risk awareness.
Child Protection Terminology: ECPAT’s updated guidelines promote respectful, survivor-centred language.
Harmful Online Challenges: Guidance from the SBNI supports conversations with young people about risky online challenges and how to report concerns.

Including:

Mobile Phone Guidance for Schools: The Department of Education advises schools to restrict personal mobile phone use during the school day, providing recommendations for creating policies and managing practical concerns.
Growing Up Online Report: A spotlight on girls’ online experiences in Northern Ireland, covering benefits and risks, including unwanted sexual content, and emphasizing the need for education and resource development.
Sextortion Awareness: Insight briefing by NSPCC on the risks, signs, and prevention of online sexual extortion among young people, offering advice for reporting and support.
AI and Digital Safety Initiatives: Educational resources on AI for post-primary students, and research on preventing self-generated child sexual abuse, plus reports on parental views on smartphone and social media restrictions.
& More!

Including:

A new resource for teachers, “Digital for Life and Work”, was produced to help teachers select online safety topics to teach students.
The Health and Social Care Adoption and Foster Care Service launched a new version of the “Fostering in a Digital World” app, which provides guidance on safe digital navigation for foster carers.
The NSPCC created a 40-minute online safety workshop video for parents on topics such as cyberbullying and mental health.
The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland published two “Growing Up Online Report” based on a wider study by Stranmillis University College.