Online safety resources for your hub
As a network, we know the value of being online. We share a passion to help everyone become digitally equal, able and safe, so that they can be happier, healthier and better off.
The 11th of February is Safer Internet Day. So to mark it, this month we’re focusing on supporting people to stay safe online.
A recent Ofcom report shows that 75% of internet users are concerned about online scams, fraud and phishing.
That sounds like a lot of stress to use an essential service and is no doubt holding back some from even engaging with online content.
Help is at hand
We have a wealth of resources to help you guide people through the basics of online safety and dealing with scams. These include:
- Example session plan: Safety and Security Online
- Media Literacy: A guide to critically analysing information
Along with lots of resources from external organisations such as, Internet Matters, Virgin Media O2, BBC, Money Saving Expert and more. For example:
Learn My Way has no fewer than 11 topics under the subject of ‘Safety and security online’ ranging from the basics of online safety to dealing with online scams. Like all topics on Learn My Way, these are friendly, bitesized modules that are engaging for learners and help them overcome one of the major barriers to embracing online life.
It's a daunting subject for us all, never mind those new to the internet, so encourage all your learners to complete these topics as part of their learning journey.
Other ways to get involved
Here are some other online safety initiatives you and your service users may be interested in participating in:
- Digital ResolutionsInternet Matters are encouraging parents and carers to help children make ‘digital resolutions’ that make them safer on their devices.
- Protecting yourself and others from scams online UK Safer Internet Centre is focussing on online scams for young people and how they can protect themselves.
What we know about the size and impact of online scams and fraud
In 2020 Good Things Foundation was supported by BT to explore online safety and digital exclusion. This research identified that some groups face greater online risks with evidence pointing to ‘online’ vulnerabilities reflecting vulnerabilities ‘offline’. Disabled people, women and Black and minority ethnic groups face greater risk of online abuse. Adults facing social and economic barriers were less able or likely to take action to be safe online.
Research published by Ofcomin 2023 revealed that 43 million adult internet users had encountered suspected scams online and, of those who lost money, 1 in 5 lost over £1,000.
Data from Action Fraudthe national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, shows that 22,530 people reported that their online accounts had been hacked in 2023, with victims losing a total of £1.3 million.
Another report from Action Fraudshows that young people are falling victim to online frauds. In 2023 people aged between 11 and 29 reported losing over £9 million in online shopping scams and almost £30 million in online investment scams.