Parents and carers may have seen recent information about “Com Networks”. These are harmful online groups where Children and Young People can be drawn into unsafe conversations, pressured by others, or encouraged to take part in behaviour that may put them or others at risk. The information shared with professional partners highlights that these groups […]
Parents and carers may have seen recent information about “Com Networks”. These are harmful online groups where Children and Young People can be drawn into unsafe conversations, pressured by others, or encouraged to take part in behaviour that may put them or others at risk. The information shared with professional partners highlights that these groups can involve online harm, cybercrime and violence, and that Children and Young People may be involved as victims, perpetrators, or both.
Com Networks can appear on social media, messaging apps and online gaming platforms. They may involve Children and Young People being contacted by people they do not really know, being pressured to keep secrets, being encouraged to move conversations to private or encrypted apps, or being made to feel that they cannot ask for help. Discord and Telegram are among the platforms where this activity may take place, although concerns can arise on many online spaces.
What can I do?
Engage your Child in a conversation after you have researched the common terms. Discuss during everyday activities such as driving or cooking, to reduce the intensity of the talk. Open discussions through using open questions:
What might parents and carers notice?
There is rarely one single sign that tells you a child is being harmed online. Parents and carers know their child best, so it is important to notice changes that feel unusual or worrying. Possible signs may include:
Some Children and Young People may be drawn into cyber activity, such as hacking, online fraud, sim swapping, doxing or swatting. Parents may notice an unusually intense interest in advanced software, coding, cryptocurrency or online tools that does not feel typical for their child or age and stage. These signs do not always mean a child is involved in a Com Network, but they are worth taking seriously.
How to talk to your child
If you are worried, try to stay calm. Children and Young People are more likely to talk if they feel they will be listened to rather than blamed. Choose a quiet moment and start gently. You could say:
“I’ve noticed you seem worried after being online. I’m not angry, but I want to understand and help.”
Try to avoid taking their phone away immediately unless there is an urgent safety concern, as this can make Children and Young People less likely to tell you what is happening. Reassure them that they are not in trouble, that they have done the right thing by speaking to you, and that adults can help. If they share something worrying, listen carefully, do not ask lots of detailed questions, and do not promise to keep it a secret if they may be unsafe. It can help to ask open questions, such as:
Safer Schools App
All Aberdeenshire schools have signed up to the Safer Schools App, which gives schools, parents, carers and pupils access to online safety advice, safeguarding updates and practical resources. The app helps families keep up to date with changing online risks, including issues linked to social media, gaming and digital wellbeing. Parents and carers can find more information about Com Networks on the Safer Schools website: Understanding Com Networks. If you have not signed up, contact your school to get the code required to register.
What should I do if I am concerned?
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away. Do not wait.
If you are worried that a child may be at risk, you can contact Aberdeenshire Children and Families Social Work on 01467 537111 during office hours. Evenings, weekends and public holidays, contact Out of Hours Social Work on 03456 08 12 06. If you think a crime may have been committed, contact Police Scotland on 101.
Children and Young People can also contact Childline on 0800 1111 for free, confidential support. Adults who are worried about a child can also seek advice from the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.
You do not need to be certain before asking for help. If something feels wrong, it is always better to share your concern early. In Aberdeenshire, protecting children is everyone’s responsibility, and help is available.
