Internet safety, online radicalisation and young people with learning disabilities

Caton, Sue ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9013-8721 and Landman, Roderick (2022) Internet safety, online radicalisation and young people with learning disabilities. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 50 (1). pp. 88-97. ISSN 1354-4187

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Abstract

1.1 Background Young people with learning disabilities are increasingly using the Internet but can be vulnerable to being victimised online. As learning disability services develop guidance on how to support Internet use, it is important to explore what support is necessary. 1.2 Methods This research used interviews and focus groups to explore what children, young people, their parents and teachers thought about Internet safety, extremism and online radicalisation. 1.3 Results Results showed that the students were active Internet users and were confident about online safety but parents were concerned about the risks associated with Internet use. Following taking part in a peer education project that focussed on Internet safety and specifically about risks of online radicalisation and extremism, the students understood possible links between grooming and online radicalisation and their teachers increased their understanding of the importance of digital engagement for their students.