New Young People’s Survey: Understanding the Challenges of Online Reporting
The internet has transformed the way young people learn, connect, and explore the world. For many, it is a space filled with opportunity, creativity, and community. Yet, as we know, alongside these benefits lie very real risks, such as exposure to harmful behaviours, including online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Project Ember is a new initiative from our partner SWGfL, funded by Safe Online. This project aims to deepen understanding of the challenges young people face when encountering harmful online behaviour and how best to support them.
Listening to Young People’s Experiences
We know that for many young people, recognising that harm has taken place online (or feeling confident enough to speak out) can be difficult.
To explore this SWGfL has released an anonymous survey for young people aged 13 to 24. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, young people will play a direct role in shaping the future of how online reporting is improved. Their input will help to inform:
– The design of support services for children, young people, and families.
– The development of tools and reporting systems that respond effectively to harmful online behaviour.
– The creation of policies that ensure safer, more supportive online spaces for all.
How You Can Support
If you are a parent, carer, educator, or professional working with young people, you have an important role to play. By sharing this survey and encouraging participation, you can help give young people a voice in shaping safer online environments.
All responses are confidential and anonymous and the survey is supported by safeguarding guidance, ensuring that young people can contribute consensually, openly and honestly.