Safely Navigating Social Media & the Internet

Fairview aims to empower young people with the knowledge and education needed to stay safe while using the internet and social media. As a support provider, we do not access the young people's devices or monitor their social media and internet use. However, we can educate them about the potential dangers of the data they share, how it can be used, and the importance of being cautious about their online connections.

We will offer training to our staff so that they can guide young people on staying safe online through our independent living program. Our staff will also be able to direct individuals to services that can help them if they have had negative experiences online, such as cyberbullying, harassment, or any other harmful online activities. They will also ensure that young people understand their rights and responsibilities when using the internet or social media.

Risks & What to Do

When you only connect with people you personally know online, you can maintain a level of trust and safety within your social network. Accepting friend requests from strangers can expose you to potential risks such as cyberbullying, scams, or even threats to your physical safety. By limiting your connections to people you know and trust, you can help ensure a more secure and positive online experience.

Cyber Bullying

Cyberbullying, or bullying online, is known to cause anxiety and distress among young people. Cyberbullies often target individuals based on their race, sexual orientation, sex, and physical appearance. They may attempt to obtain personal information, such as your address, and use this information to stalk or harass you. Sending pictures or messages that cause anxiety and distress to someone else could also lead to accusations of cyberbullying.

Cat-fishing

Catfishing is a deceptive practice in which an individual creates a fake online persona to trick others. This can be done for various reasons, such as financial gain, emotional manipulation, or even to promote extremist ideologies. The risks of catfishing are significant and can include emotional harm, financial loss, and even physical danger. Victims of catfishing may experience profound emotional distress upon realizing they have been deceived. Additionally, catfishing can lead to exploitation, blackmail, and in some extreme cases, physical harm. It's important to be cautious and sceptical when interacting with individuals online to avoid falling victim to catfishing.

Radicalisation

Radicalization is the process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious beliefs and aspirations. It often involves manipulation or indoctrination by others who seek to exploit vulnerable individuals for their own purposes. The risks of radicalization are significant and can lead to various harmful outcomes, including acts of terrorism, violence, and social unrest. Radicalized individuals may become isolated from their communities, alienated from mainstream society, and prone to engaging in destructive behaviours that can harm themselves and others. Additionally, radicalization can contribute to the spread of divisive ideologies and undermine social cohesion. Recognizing the signs of radicalization and addressing its underlying causes is crucial for preventing the escalation of extremist beliefs and behaviours.

Exploitation

Exploitation is the act of taking advantage of someone or a situation for one's own benefit. In the context of vulnerable individuals, exploitation can manifest in various forms such as financial, labour, or sexual exploitation. Financial exploitation involves the misuse or withholding of a person's resources for another's gain. Labour exploitation occurs when individuals are forced to work under exploitative conditions, often for little or no pay. Sexual exploitation involves the manipulation or coercion of individuals into engaging in sexual activities for someone else's benefit.

The risks of exploitation are significant and can have long-lasting effects on the victims. Financial exploitation can result in severe economic hardship for the victim, leading to financial instability and even homelessness. Labour exploitation can lead to physical and emotional harm, as well as a loss of dignity and self-worth. Sexual exploitation can result in trauma, physical harm, and psychological distress for the victim, affecting their mental health and overall well-being.

It's crucial to raise awareness about exploitation, recognize the signs, and take steps to prevent and address it to protect vulnerable individuals from its harmful effects.

Sexting/Pornography

Sending explicit photographs, also known as sexting, can pose significant risks, especially for young people. Once these photos are sent, the sender loses control over how they are used and distributed. The recipient could share the images without consent, leading to potential humiliation, embarrassment, and even harassment. Additionally, these images could be used for blackmail or exploitation, putting the sender in a vulnerable and distressing situation. It's important for individuals to understand the serious consequences of sending explicit photographs and to think carefully before engaging in such activities.

Buying and Selling

When purchasing items from local sellers on social media, it's important to verify their trustworthiness and ensure that the items have not been stolen. Additionally, refrain from selling your belongings to unfamiliar individuals and avoid sharing your address with people you don't know well, as this could potentially pose risks to your safety and the safety of others.

Online Gaming

Online gaming comes with several risks that players should be aware of. These risks include potential exposure to scammers who may attempt to deceive players into sharing personal information or financial details. Additionally, online gaming platforms can be used as a tool for "catfishing," where individuals create fake identities to deceive other players. It's important for gamers to stay vigilant and cautious when interacting with other players online to protect themselves from these risks.

Our staff will help all young people understand the dangers and risks associated with the internet. This includes issues such as privacy and location settings, as well as the use of personal information.