The Future of Safeguarding Children in New Immersive Technologies: The Cruciality of Evidence-led Tools for Schools

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Harnessing Education Strategies to Safeguard Youth from Cybercrime & Online Victimization in New & Emerging Technologies

Abstract

Young people using new technology such as AI and virtual reality headsets is rapidly increasing (IET, 2023). Meta platforms are already reporting instances of online grooming and cyberbullying (Roblox, 2022) and we know that online sex offenders are already using 2D metaverse platforms as spaces to identify victims, and lure children into private arenas (Afzal et al, 2021). Online sexual harassment of children is frequently witnessed and experienced in metaverse platforms (BBC, 2022). The virtual 3D world presents a new pathway for online child sexual exploitation, as predators evolve and take advantage access to children in anonymous settings (Pettifer et al. 2022). The VIRRAC research project included 3 strands of empirical data collection from experts and young people, and highlighted the crucial need to facilitate cross-sector collaboration that prioritises relationships across key domains such as education, health, criminal justice, academia, and industry. Cross-sector collaboration is vital for effectively safeguarding children and young people in these new and emerging online spheres, and evidence-based educational tools for schools and law enforcement are key to safeguarding young people in these online spheres.

Authors

• Ruby Rosemarie Farr, University of East London

• Julia Davidson, University of East London