This is a free download of the second version of our online safeguarding guidance document, developed in partnership with independent safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight. The new edition includes a number of updates and revisions, including an expanded list of risks to consider, some notes on special considerations for looked-after children, and clearer guidance on how to approach different kinds of online youth work interactions safely.

It also includes a flowchart diagram to help you to respond appropriately to an online safety incident, including signposting to the correct services for various issues. If you're working with young people in an online context we strongly recommend that you download and read this FREE resource, and consider sharing with other members of your youth work team. We must stress — this is not a safeguarding policy, but it should enable you to develop one for your work, in liaison with your safeguarding lead.

We are hugely grateful to the team at thirtyone:eight for their continued hard work and partnership on this vital resource. You can also find the document on thirtyone:eight’s website, which includes a range of other useful tools and materials.