Understanding Online Risks for Young People
Raising awareness of Celebrity/ Influencer Relationships and Exposure to Gambling
☀️ Alistair Barfield - An autistic/ADHD advocate, Alistair is passionate about neurodiversity and safeguarding young people from online harms.
📅 Date: 26th September 2024
⏰ Time: 6pm
📍 Location: Online Event (Zoom)
What we will cover:
Hosted by Alistair, this session will explore how young people's interactions with online content can impact their mental health, and exposure to harmful behaviours like gambling. Special attention will be given to parasocial relationships, influencers, and the connection between online gaming and gambling. Participants will gain insights into how they can help protect young people from the risks associated with the online world.
✨What Goes on Online?
The online world can condition kids to start gambling in many subtle ways, often without them even realizing it. In game currencies, loot boxes, influencers and sponsorships are just some of the ways. Alistair gives more insight into the risks associated with online gaming.
✨Parasocial Relationships
Parasocial relationships refer to one-sided emotional connections that individuals, often fans or audiences, form with public figures, celebrities etc. In the context of young people, parasocial relationships can be particularly significant due to their emotional development and frequent exposure to online influencers. This can sometimes lead to blurred boundaries between real-life friendships and online connections, especially when influencers promote products like gambling, which can have negative consequences.
✨ How to Protect Young People
Protecting kids from the risks associated with online gaming requires a combination of education, supervision, and the use of appropriate tools. Alistair explains more during the session.
Who is Alistair Barfield?
With over 5 years of experience working within Britain's neurodivergent community, Ali has worked extensively in SEND school settings and disadvantaged communities. His work focuses on the intersection of young people and online content.
Who Should Attend?
Anyone who is interested in learning more about the risks associated with online gaming and especially those with children
When is it?
Thursday 26th September, 6pm
What will it cost me?
Absolutely nothing. This brilliant event is free!
Where is it?
The event will take place online, so you can join from anywhere.
