We have recently launched online sessions for 14 to18 year old girls, who are both members and non-members of Girls’ Brigade. These sessions are focused on topics such as the Safe Night Out and Safety in the Digital World, and led by our own Young Leaders to give the attendees someone to relate to, ensuring the sessions maintained a relaxed, open atmosphere whilst educational content is communicated. We have also launched new programme resources, with relevant material such as ‘Respectful Communities’, and Digital World and Communications programmes, allowing groups to touch on this theme during face-to-face sessions.
Ineqe’s report highlights the dangers that face girls and young women in the digital world, stressing the necessity of adequate safeguarding around this topic. The advantages of online youth work are extensive, creating opportunities for connection and inclusion for those who may otherwise be excluded due to a number of factors. Our pilot online sessions have demonstrated an appetite among young people for this type of engagement, emphasising the pressure on Girls’ Brigade to deliver this safely.
Research shows that over three quarters of girls aged 7 to 21 in the UK have experienced some form of online harm, ranging from unsolicited messages to image-based harm (Girlguiding, 2024). Girls’ Brigade’s goal to expand into the online space must recognise the vast safeguarding responsibility, or else we risk leaving young people exposed.
By ensuring our staff and volunteers are fully trained to deal with threats such as AI-generated sexual imagery, sextortion, grooming, and gender-based abuse, we are leading the expansion of uniformed youth groups into the digital world by example.
Gender-based abuse is increasingly entering the mainstream, as a consequence of influencers such as Andrew Tate and Sneako, and podcasts such as Fresh and Fit, attracting audiences of millions. The misogyny these men perpetuate into social media is largely consumed by young, male audiences. Research by Women’s Aid (2023) found that this content influences attitudes – teenagers exposed to Tate’s material were five times more likely to believe that hurting others was acceptable.
Ineqe’s report has outlined several comparative studies of youth groups moving online. This gives us a clear outline of safeguarding challenges to consider and the best methods to ensure young people’s safety. Clear procedures to implement include giving participants anonymised usernames, collecting minimal personal data, using platform security tools, and training staff to respond swiftly to disruptive or harmful behaviour. Furthermore, Ineqe found that it is essential to make use of practical resources, differentiated sessions, and a pre-set curriculum to enhance engagement and ensure consistency.
Going forward, our strategy has been strengthened with recommendations from Ineqe’s findings. Their recommendations include publishing a statement of intent regarding digital safeguarding, appointing a qualified Digital Safeguarding Lead, and adopting a phased approach to the expansion of our online youth work provision. These points will ensure internal and external clarity on the project, quality, and above all, safety.
Online harm is not a future threat, it is the lived reality for many children and young people today. Girls’ Brigade is intent on preparing youth to face the challenges of the rapidly evolving digital world, whilst reassuring parents that their children are in safe hands. Safeguarding is central to this project, and Girls’ Brigade is equipped to approach this mission with the wellbeing of young people at its core. To read the full report by Ineqe, click here.
