The other side of technology - Theotokos Foundation
Online risks - risks to social inclusion
Why people with intellectual disabilities and on the autism spectrum are more vulnerable to online risks
- Overprotection / Inability of parents to monitor their online activity
- Limited social experiences
- Limited understanding of consequences
- Need for acceptance
- Difficulty in recognising threats
- Limited critical thinking
The inspiration for the development of the manuals
The need to create the manuals resulted from a real incident: A beneficiary posted a revealing photo of his girlfriend on social media without her consent.
What came up
- The lack of guidance on the risks online.
- The urgent need for tailored education on digital behaviour and safety.
Search of support
When we realised the number and seriousness of the incidents that had already occurred in our organisation, we considered it necessary to contact the Cybercrime Unit. We requested their cooperation and support, so that with their experience and expertise:
- to be informed about the risks of the Internet
- to enhance our capacity to manage similar incidents
- protect our beneficiaries more effectively
Material development
- Handbook for trainers
- Handbook for parents
- Presentation and handbook for trainees.
What is included in the manuals
- The main dangers on the internet
- The role of the teacher - the role of the parent
- How to teach safe internet use
- Experiential empowerment and critical thinking activities
- Incident management - Victim support
- Complaint and incident handling procedure
- How and where to file a complaint
- A summary of the basic legal framework for online offences
- The importance of prevention - Cultivating self-esteem and boundaries