Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Online Harms
摘要
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) experience unique opportunities and risks in digital spaces. While technology can enhance communication, learning, and social interaction, SEND children also face heightened online risks, including cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to harmful content. Existing safeguarding strategies often fail to address their specific needs, focusing on risk avoidance rather than empowerment. This chapter introduces the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, drawing on ecological systems theory to examine how parents, educators, and policymakers influence online safety. It argues for more inclusive, tailored safeguarding strategies that balance protection with digital inclusion, ensuring SEND children can navigate online spaces safely while benefiting from the opportunities technology offers.