Is The Internet A Social Workers' Biggest Challenge?

The digital world and the ability to be on the internet plays a significant part in the life of modern-day society. There has been significant research into the benefits that children and young people can experience from being online. This research has also indicated that while vulnerable children, and that includes those children who are in care, can experience some significant benefits from being online, unfortunately, it is this group of children who are particularly at risk of harm when compared to their peers. This means that these children will require a more tailored approach when it comes to the support that they are given for online activities, and this is something that anyone studying for a social work degree or those in health and social care jobs needs to be aware of.

How Can Frontline Practitioners Help Vulnerable Children?

A comprehensive document has been put together by the Vulnerable Users Working Group (VUWG) (who themselves are part of the UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS). The 14-page document details 9 important guiding principles that have been put together to assist not only social workers but also anyone involved in children’s social care in the wider sense, in order to help support these children with their online activity. The document is available to download from the government website and makes for interesting reading on the subject. The principles included in the document look at the support that can be offered to foster carers as well as professionals. It also details those risks that are important to look out for with regard to online safety and best practices, which could prove vital to those interested in a social work degree.

How Can The Internet Be Problematic?

One thing that anyone working in health and social care will quickly learn is that for children, the internet can be an incredibly dangerous place. However, for those children who are more vulnerable, it is more likely that these dangers will remain unseen and can pose serious issues. Whether these issues occur in the form of online bullying, perhaps even by their peers from school, or as a result of those individuals who stalk the internet in the hope of grooming vulnerable children for a number of different reasons, these problems are out there.

In order to protect children, it is vital to ensure that they understand that these dangers exist and understand that there are adults in their lives that they can, and should talk to when problems arise so that they do not slip under the radar.

With the internet so readily accessible via both computers and phones this is potentially one of the biggest challenges that someone working in health and social care jobs may face.

Social Work Courses at the University of Bolton – Caring for the Future

If you feel drawn to the idea of a rewarding career in social work, then a social work degree may be one of the options to consider.

However, if you want to experience #UniAsItShould be, with the University of Bolton, we believe in-person courses could help you gain the knowledge and skills that you need for a career where no two days are likely to be the same.

At the University of Bolton, we offer a range of social work courses, including a degree apprenticeship course that can pave the way to a rewarding career with the potential for career progression. We believe we could offer the ideal setting to help you gain the expertise and skills that you need for a career in social work.

We are truly an inclusive and welcoming university and have been voted 1st in the North West of England for social inclusion for the second year running *. This, along with our inspiring lecturers and great student community could provide the perfect setting for your first forays into social care education.

If you would like to learn more about the university or our range of social work courses, we would be delighted to talk to you. Our team of friendly advisors can be contacted at +44 (0)1204 900 600. Or, you can check out our social work courses here. Alternatively, we’d be happy to answer questions over email. Simply send your message to enquiries@bolton.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to respond.

*The Times and The Sunday Times - 2022, 2021