BTThis week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the focus for 2023 is anxiety, an emotion that can affect many people for a variety of reasons. As our work with schools and our helplines has found, anxiety is an issue that affects a significant amount of the population, and issues such as online abuse and harm can severely impact people’s mental wellbeing.
As an example, in 2022, research from the University of Suffolk was released to demonstrate how online abuse was impacting adults. Findings revealed the significant impact of online abuse on people’s mental health. Out of the participants, 62.6% of respondents found their experience with online abuse resulted in anxiety, and 53.8% felt signs of stress.
The research demonstrates how important it is to get support for the emotional and psychological impact that can result from negative online experiences. To support, we have a series of helplines and resources for adults and professionals working with young people to create positive online spaces and access the support they need.
Support for Young People
We have created a series of resources to promote digital wellbeing and support young people to use online spaces in a positive and healthy way. Exposure to abuse or online harm can contribute to poor digital wellbeing, and it is important to understand how technology and online platforms can affect students and staff in school communities. You can find out more about Digital Wellbeing through our information hub, or print out the Digital Wellbeing poster to provide guidance for young people in school.
Support for Professionals Working with Young People
If you have online safety concerns and work with young people, the Professionals Online Safety Helpline can support you with any online safety issue you may be having. The Helpline can provide free advice, mediation and signposting about online safety issues that staff may face, such as professional identity and online harassment.
For online safety concerns relating to young people, the Professionals Online Safety Helpline can also support staff to resolve problems ranging from cyberbullying to sexting issues.
Support for People Impacted by Online Harms
Report Harmful Content assists anyone (aged 13+) impacted by harmful online content to find the correct channels to report content across multiple platforms. The platform helps to empower users with up-to-date data and information, offering users with further advice and support on what they can do if they are affected by harmful online content. Report Harmful Content also provides details on other sources of support available to individuals impacted by online harms such as online abuse and bullying or harassment, which can be found on their website.
Support for Adults Affected by Intimate Image Abuse
Revenge Porn Helpline can help any adult (18+) in the UK who has been impacted by intimate image abuse. The Helpline has a variety of ways for you to get in touch for information and advice whenever you need it. Practitioners will also signpost anyone affected by intimate image abuse towards the appropriate emotional support services, which you can find here.
To get in touch with the Revenge Porn Helpline, you can contact them Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm, on 0345 6000 459, or email them at help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk. For more information on alternative ways to contact them, you can visit their website.
To find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme of anxiety, you can get additional guidance from the Mental Health Foundation, who have provided further information and resources on how to cope with feelings of anxiety.
