Safeguarding young people in the digital age: Meet Andy Jarman from Digital Safety CIC
“I'm concerned as a parent, but also as a grandparent now that future generations coming through have got a real crisis. If we're not careful, they've got a real problem on the hands trying to tackle this and Schools or the police or the government cannot tackle it on their own. It's got to be a multi agency approach”
Andy Jarman, Director, Digital Safety Community Interest Company
This week Lucy sat down to chat with Andy Jarman, Director of Digital Safety CIC and the the hosts of The Castle Conference in Bristol alongside Inclusive Change At Work CIC.
Here is the full audio, the video link is at the bottom of this page.
Safeguarding the Digital Generation: The Importance of Digital Wellbeing for Young People
The online world has become an integral part of our daily lives, especially for the younger generation. It presents endless opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection. However, it also comes with significant risks and challenges that can have a profound impact on the mental health and wellbeing of young people. That's why events like The Castle Conference, centred around digital wellbeing for young people, are crucial in raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and finding solutions to these pressing issues.
In a recent conversation with Andy Jarman, the director of Digital Safety, the organisation hosting the Castle conference, Lucy gained valuable insights into the importance of digital safety and the need for a multi-agency approach to tackle the challenges faced by young people in the digital age.
Digital Safety: Bridging the Gap in Digital Capability
Andy, being a retired law enforcement officer, saw a pressing need for improving digital capability, skills, and awareness among organisations, communities, and individuals. With a background in policing and law enforcement, Andy recognised that there was a lack of expertise and thought leadership in the field of digital safety, as a director at Digital Safety CIC and with his team he is able to bridge that gap. Their mission is to share the digital expertise gained from their previous backgrounds and address the urgent need for safer digital practices.
The Castle Conference: Creating a Network of Support
The Castle conference: Digital Wellbeing for young people, aims to address the challenges faced by young people and adolescents in the digital world. It recognises that many social issues, such as knife crime, sexual exploitation, assaults, and mental health crises, have roots in the way young individuals navigate their online lives. The conference will bring together professionals from various fields, including law enforcement, mental health services, and academia, to create a collaborative and joint approach to tackling these challenges.
By fostering a network of individuals and organisations, the conference aims to support one another in understanding and addressing the complex issues related to digital wellbeing. It also highlights the importance of academic research and thought leadership in finding effective solutions.
The Online Safety Bill: Steps Towards Regulation
One significant development in the realm of digital safety is the Online Safety Act. This legislation aims to regulate larger corporate social media companies and providers, holding them accountable for the content they allow on their platforms. While the Online Safety Act has already made strides in addressing certain offence’s and criminal activities, it still has a long way to go in terms of effective regulation and enforcement.
The Need for Supportive Communities
Beyond legislation, it is crucial to recognise the role of parents, families, and communities in safeguarding young people's digital wellbeing. Education and awareness play a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely. By providing training modules, courses, and resources, initiatives like Digital Safety and Inclusive Change at Work aim to bridge the digital knowledge gap and empower both young people and their families to make informed choices.
Creating a safe and supportive environment requires collaboration among schools, community centres, and other stakeholders. Understanding the risks and impact of harmful digital content is essential for parents to protect their children effectively. Engaging young people directly in conversations about online safety and mental health equips them with the tools to make responsible decisions.
The Castle Conference: A Platform for Change
The Castle conference offers a platform for influential speakers, networking opportunities, and informative discussions. Professors Peter Kawalek and Louisa Fassi, among others, bring their expertise to shed light on the challenges facing young people in the digital era. The conference also aims to explore difficult topics such as suicide prevention, providing a safe space for professionals to openly discuss pressing issues and share ideas.
By bringing together professionals from the field, the Castle conference creates an environment for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and building supportive networks. The conference's venue, Leigh Court in Bristol, provides a fitting backdrop for this important event, amplifying the significance of the discussions held on the day.
Join the Conversation
The Castle conference is a unique opportunity to engage with experts, professionals, and like-minded individuals who are passionate about the digital wellbeing of young people. By attending, you can contribute to the ongoing dialogue and play an active role in safeguarding the digital generation. The conference aims to make the event accessible to all, with affordable ticket prices and a commitment to inclusivity.
To learn more about the conference and reserve your spot, visit the icaw-cic.com/events Let's come together, raise awareness, and create a safe and empowering digital environment for the younger generation.
If you feel that you can be part of the community that will make a difference for young people and want to meet Andy to explore this topic in person then join us at The Castle Conference on 25th April 2025.
Save your seat by booking at the link above.
You can watch the full video here.
