Looked-After Children in the Digital Age

As part of the HEBC Behaviour Change Research Seminar Series, Dr Aiman El Asam (Associate Professor in Forensic Psychology, Kingston University) will present current research on looked-after children in the digital age: risks and opportunities. The seminar will take place on 7 February 2024, 5-6pm (online).

Seminar summary: This seminar addresses the challenges faced by children in foster care or residential settings in the digital era. It explores the link between their offline struggles, such as trauma, mental health issues, and social isolation, and their online risky experiences, cyberbullying, victimisation, contacting adults and potential grooming.

The presentation delves into the various online risks encountered by these children and examines their online safety practices, as well as the responses of caregivers and professionals while also acknowledging the many advantages digital has on children’s lives. Key questions include what we know about online risks for looked after children and why they are particularly disadvantaged in the digital realm.

The seminar also discusses ways to incorporate online experiences into clinical and therapy sessions while considering ethical concerns. It emphasizes the need for ongoing research and a holistic approach to ensure the well-being of looked after children in the digital age.

Please contact the SIG Leads Dr Josephine-Chen Wilson (josephine.chen-wilson@northampton.ac.uk) and Associate Professor Dr Kimberley Hill (kimberley.hill@northampton.ac.uk) for more information, including the link to the virtual room when available.

Professor Federico Farini

Professor Federico Farini's research concerns the inclusion of migrant children and young people in education, youth subcultures and cultural studies, migrant-friendly services, conflict management, intercultural education, client-centred interpreting in healthcare and education, and the role of digital media in the diffusion of knowledge.