This page is designed to answer the following questions:
- 7.1 Describe the potential risks presented by: • the use of electronic communication devices • the use of the internet • the use of social networking sites • carrying out financial transactions online (Level 2 Diploma in Care, Safeguarding and protection in care settings)
- 7.2 Explain ways of reducing the risks presented by each of these types of activity (Level 2 Diploma in Care, Safeguarding and protection in care settings)
- 7.3 Explain the importance of balancing measures for online safety against the benefits to individuals of using electronic systems and devices (Level 2 Diploma in Care, Safeguarding and protection in care settings)
With the exponential rise of the Internet over the last few decades, vulnerable adults are now much more likely to be victims of abuse through online activity so it is important that you have an awareness of the potential risks.
The table below lists some of the possible risks of using Internet-related technologies as well as practical ways to reduce them:
| Activity | Risks | Ways to reduce risk |
|---|---|---|
| Use of electronic communication devices e.g. mobile phones, tablets etc. | Harrassment Manipulation Cyber-bullying Grooming Blackmail Viruses Hacking | Educate individuals on how to protect themselves Maintaining communication channels between individuals, their family and care workers Use of security software Individuals knowing where they can obtain help and advice from |
| Use of the Internet | Potential to break the law by accessing illegal material Viewing of upsetting material e.g. pornography or violence Extremism/radicalisation Unwise purchases via online ads/in-app purchases/gambling websites | Educate individuals on how to protect themselves Maintaining communication channels between individuals, their family and care workers Individuals knowing where they can obtain help and advice from |
| Use of social networking sites | Harrassment Manipulation Cyber-bullying Grooming Blackmail | Educate individuals on how to protect themselves Maintaining communication channels between individuals, their family and care workers Individuals knowing where they can obtain help and advice from |
| Carrying out financial transactions | Fraud Scams Unwittingly or being coerced into transferring monies to unscrupulous individuals | Education Only performing financial transactions in the presence of trusted persons |
As you can see, there are several risks associated with online activity, however it is important to remember that unless there are exceptional circumstances (such as individual being detained under the mental health act) individuals have the right to make their own choices and take risks if they wish to do so.
So these risks must be balanced against an individuals rights and the benefits of using electronic systems and devices. Just because an individual is vulnerable, it does not mean that they should be denied access to technology.
Risk assessments completed in collaboration with the individual can give an idea of the likelihood and severity of the risks as well as the opportunity to identify ways of mitigating them.
For example, an individual that has been manipulated by criminals in the past may want to have a Facebook account to keep in contact with friends and family however there is a risk that they may be discovered by some of the undesirables from their past. The risk of this happening could be reduced by ensuring that their Facebook profile is set to private and other privacy settings are enabled.
