Digital technologies undeniably offer young people many benefits. While facilitating skill development and enhancing educational experiences, they can positively contribute to their development and growth. However, these emerging technologies also pose significant risks that can be difficult for school leaders to recognise, given the constantly changing digital landscape.
But, what are those risks?
Below, we explore the key emerging safety risks and challenges that affect young people today, so you can address them effectively.
Deepfake cyber bullying
Children have long been victims of cyberbullying, which involves harassment, threats, or social exclusion through digital means. However, the rise of deepfake technology means these harms have become increasingly personalised, targeted and hyperrealistic.
The silencing effect
The silencing effect refers to a phenomenon of self-censorship that occurs when children and young people face online harassment, trolling, or intimidation.
In these instances, young people are not generally forthcoming about their feelings and are often unsure about when these situations are “serious enough” to report. It is imperative that school leaders can quickly identify students experiencing the silencing effect to intervene early and minimise negative impacts.
Machine drift
Machine drift is a growing concern for students where algorithms and information used to build certain technology inadvertently expose young people to problematic content as they continue to engage with it.
Current research shows machine drift is a relevant and real-time concern for the modern-day student, with a recent example showing that children are just three clicks away from adult content on platforms like YouTube.
AI-enabled CSAM
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) refers to any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a child.
This includes images, videos, or any digital content that shows children engaged in sexual activities or poses. AI-enabled CSAM is a real and growing risk, and it comes against a backdrop of many schools and educators already feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Misinformation and fake news
Children and young people can encounter a significant volume of fake information, rumours, and fake news, which can impact their ability to critically evaluate the information they view online and establish informed opinions.
Online grooming
Recent years have seen predators utilising online platforms, specifically gaming platforms, to groom and exploit children in volumes never before seen.
Children and young people are put at significant risk through engagement with strangers in multiplayer chats and games, often unbeknownst to their parents.
Online scams
Many young people fall victim to online scams, including phishing attempts, buying and selling scams through spoofing or fraudulent websites, and deceptive online strangers targeting young people with sextortion-style scams, leading to financial loss and even identity theft.
With young people facing so many digital risks, ensuring student safety has become more challenging than ever before. From deepfake cyberbullying to AI-enabled CSAM, school leaders are navigating a constantly changing landscape of online risks.
However, you are not in this alone. Equipped with the right solutions and expertise, you can effectively protect your students from the latest digital threats.
What practical steps can schools, colleges and MATs take to create a safe and secure environment for all students?
Join our exclusive webinar with Smoothwall on 30th April to learn the strategies you can implement to help significantly improve school-wide student digital safety.
