29.07.13
BASW calls for training to counter online abuse
Social workers are struggling to deal with abuse on online platforms, a new survey shows.
The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) warned that more specialist training was needed to help workers protect children from online grooming and sexual abuse.
A survey of 327 social workers found 74% wanted more support and half were concerned about online abuse. Concerns included assessing the risk of abuse with an online dimension, identifying warning signs of online sexual abuse, and confidence around the language used by young people talking about the internet
The BASW's Nushra Mansuri said: “The number of cases in which the internet plays a part in the grooming and abuse of children is rising. Social workers need to be equipped to recognise the warning signs.”
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