AQW 17067/22-27


Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down


Tabled Date: 21/10/2024
Answered On Date: 05/11/2024
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the implementation of actions arising from the Online Safety Strategy relating to his Department.


Answer:
Substantial work continues to be carried out under the Executive’s Online Safety Strategy 3 year Action Plan and it is largely proceeding as planned. The work is led by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) online safety coordinator. Implementation of actions is overseen by a cross-departmental implementation group (CDIG), chaired by my Department.
The SBNI’s Online Safety Hub, which was launched in April 2024, delivers on several actions within the Action Plan. It is a central repository of information and support relating to online safety for young people, carers and professionals; content is kept under review. The Online Safety Hub has been shortlisted in the Best Public or Third Sector IT Project category of the 2024 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards; with the winner being announced at an awards ceremony on 15 November 2024.
In delivery of strategic action 14, draft sample online safety policy templates have been designed by online safety experts in NSPCC in conjunction with members and partners and been reviewed by members of the CDIG. This action is expected to complete in Autumn this year; finalised templates will be published on the Hub.
Between January and March 2024, the SBNI and PSNI ran a social media campaign for young people and adults about online dangers and reporting pathways. Focusing on sextortion, online grooming and the risks around sharing nude imagery, the campaign was well supported and secured extensive news coverage on Safer Internet Day. This campaign recently won the Best Social Media Campaign for Public Sector at the Northern Ireland Social Media Awards.
In April 2024, the SBNI collaborated with the National Crime Agency to coordinate an education alert about financially motivated sexual extortion (sextortion). The alert was published on the Hub and issued to all education and youth settings through the Education Authority. It featured information for professionals and a letter for parents/carers with advice on how to talk to their child about sextortion, and how to support them if they become a victim, signposting to the PSNI and Online Safety Hub for further support. The alert secured strong news and social media coverage, supported by the Departments of Health, Justice and Education.