Helen Whittle, CEOP, United Kingdom

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

whittle_helen.jpgFollowing graduating with Honours in Psychology from the University of Kent, Helen began her career working as a teaching assistant. Following the completion of a Social Care Diploma, Helen worked with young people with complex needs and disabilities in a residential environment. As a keen traveller Helen has also taught English as a second language in primary schools in various countries across the world. She joined CEOP in 2006, where she works as an Education Training Officer. Helen has also helped to create the Thinkuknow educational resources, including those suitable to teach online safety to those with special educational needs. Helen is an experienced trainer and delivers Thinkuknow training around the UK.

ABSTRACT

28 September, Tuesday, 11.50 - 12.30

Plenary session: The sexualisation of young people and risks posed through technology

Helen will examine how the role and perception of young people in society has changed over time and how technology has influenced this change. Some of the key risks that face young people will be identified, including sexting, personal information sharing inappropriate web content, cyberbullying and grooming. Helen will discuss some of the issues and trends that CEOP has witnessed in the UK, giving examples of how some young people put themselves at risk online and also how offenders manipulate this environment to harm children.