CPD – Safeguarding Children Online

The Internet is a shortened term for Interconnected Network. From its name, it is defined as the connection of different networks between computers and mobiles. It provides us with information, services, and also entertainment.  All kinds of people use the internet, from adults and even to children. In fact, every year, the age of users is getting younger and younger. That is why safeguarding children online is very important.

In this course, CPD – Safeguarding Children Online, you will learn the dangers of the internet’s younger audiences and how to avoid it. Looking out for children may not be enough. We also have to equip them with knowledge so they can protect themselves.

Dangers of the internet for children

The Internet offers a lot of platforms that help us every day. However, just like other good things, the internet also has its downsides. Because of how easy it is to access, some people also use it for harmful things. These things are committing crimes, spreading misinformation, harassing people, and a lot worse things.

Aside from the examples shown above, the most concerning part is that children are very much immersed in the internet. From surfing the web for research to scrolling on social media for entertainment, they use it as much as adults do.

Children are the most vulnerable subjects on the internet as they are innocent as well as curious. Sadly, they are an easy target for all the dangers on the internet, which is why safeguarding children online is important. It may be hard to restrict the use of the Internet. However, educating children on how to use it carefully and properly can be a big help in protecting them.

5 Types of Online Dangers for Children

The online dangers for children are grouped into five types, which are: Content Risk, Contact Risk, Conduct Risk, Contract Risk, and Technology- Specific Risk. These risks are what children can be exposed to and what they can experience and suffer from. The worst thing about the dangers of online is it is not only virtual but it also affects the quality of life of children.

Content Risks (Harmful Material)

Children may see disturbing things online, such as violent or bloody images, inappropriate sexual content, hateful messages, fake news, or posts that encourage unhealthy behaviours like extreme dieting or self-harm. It’s important to keep on the lookout for these types of content to be effective in safeguarding children.

Contact Risks (Online Predators & Unwanted Interactions)

Strangers with bad intentions may try to contact children through the internet. This includes predators pretending to be friendly to gain their trust (online grooming), cyberstalkers who follow or harass them, scammers tricking them into giving personal information (phishing), and unknown people sending unwanted friend requests or messages.

Conduct Risks (Children’s Own Online Behaviour)

Sometimes, children may engage in risky behaviour online, making safeguarding children more difficult. This includes cyberbullying (sending or receiving mean messages), sexting (sharing inappropriate pictures or messages), sharing too much personal information that can be misused, or participating in dangerous online challenges.

Contract Risks (Financial & Privacy Risks)

Children can be tricked into things that invade their privacy or cost them money. This includes accidentally spending money on apps or games, falling for online scams, websites collecting their personal data, identity theft from weak passwords, and "free trials" that later charge them money. 

Technology-Specific Risks

Different types of technology have their dangers. In online gaming, children may see violent content, meet predators, or be exposed to gambling-like features (loot boxes). On social media, they may face fake accounts, pressure to get likes or dangerous trends. AI-generated deepfakes can also create fake videos or voices used to spread lies or scams.

What is Safeguarding Children Online?

Safeguarding Children Online are different ways to protect people from dangers on the internet. It helps keep children and adults safe while they browse websites, play games, and chat online. This is important to prevent harmful content, online predators, cyberbullying, scams, and other digital threats.

Moreover, by using good online safety practices, we can make the internet a safer place and reduce risks for children. The College of Contract Management provides courses to help you understand these dangers and stay safe online.

Course Info

The course CPD – Safeguarding Children Online is a complete and easy-to-learn course about protecting children from online risks. In this course, you’ll discover how to spot online dangers, teach safe internet habits, and protect children from harm. Besides that, the course explains how to report online abuse and ways to help children use the internet responsibly.

Also, this course helps parents, teachers, and anyone who cares for children learn how to keep kids safe online. By the end, you’ll know how to make the online world safer for kids. Join us and help protect young lives online!

Programme Plan:

This course helps you understand how safeguarding children online can be achieved best. Through easy-to-follow lessons, practical activities, and real-life examples, you will learn about the risks children face online and how to protect them. In addition to that, each part of the course focuses on a different area of online safety, giving you useful tips and steps you can use right away. Below is a summary of what the course covers:

• Protecting Children from Online Risks: Learn how to set up parental controls, adjust privacy settings, and encourage safe browsing habits. Understand how to balance screen time and guide children toward responsible digital use.
• Empowering Children for Safe and Positive Internet Use: Teach children how to navigate the online world safely. Help them develop critical thinking, recognise risks, and use social media responsibly. Encourage positive digital behaviour and online resilience.
• Identifying Signs of Online Abuse and Neglect: Recognise early warning signs of online abuse, including changes in behaviour and unusual online activity. Learn how to communicate with children about their digital experiences and identify risks like cyberbullying, grooming, and exploitation.
• Recognising Online Risks for Children: Understand the different forms of online abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Learn how predators operate and how online harm affects children emotionally and mentally. Explore real-world examples of online dangers.
• Responding to Online Abuse or Neglect: Know what to do if you suspect a child is at risk. Learn how to talk to them, respond to disclosures, and provide the right emotional support. Understand best practices for handling sensitive situations.
• Reporting Online Abuse and Getting Help: Find out how to report online abuse to the right UK organisations and law enforcement. Learn where to seek support for children, parents, and educators to ensure proper intervention and care.

Entry Requirements

This CPD – Safeguarding Children Online course is for anyone interested in keeping children safe online, including parents, teachers, caregivers, and child protection professionals. No prior knowledge is needed. All you'll need is a willingness to learn how to identify online risks, protect children, and help them use the internet safely and responsibly.

Ctrl+Alt+Delete Danger

“Don't prepare the path for the child, prepare the child for the path". That is a great saying that shows how crucial it is to teach children the knowledge and skills to navigate the world. As adults fight to diminish these online risks, we also need to equip children with the tools they need to go through the digital landscape confidently. It’s not about getting rid of risks. It's to empower children to face them head-on, ensuring they can thrive both online and offline.

The College of Contract Management is committed to protecting children by reducing the risks they face online. The CPD – Safeguarding Children Online course is an in-depth programme designed for parents, teachers, and children, giving crucial knowledge and skills to ensure online safety.

The CPD – Safeguarding Children Online, is almost ready! All learning materials and tools will be provided during the lecture to maximise your experience. For support or questions, our team is happy to assist via email or live chat.