Recent news of the UK Government’s plans to introduce a social media ban for under-16s in Spring 2027 has renewed focus on the risks children and young people can face online. The aim of the proposed change is to better protect young people from harmful online content and improve wellbeing, mental health and safety.
For the Children and Young People’s Service at West Mercia Women’s Aid, this reflects something they are seeing more and more in practice: the rise of digitally-enabled domestic abuse.
Online and offline lives are connected
For today’s children and young people, online life is part of everyday life – including friendships and intimate relationships.
While digital spaces can offer connection and support, they can also be used to monitor, control and harm. In some relationships, technology becomes a tool for abuse, allowing harmful behaviour to continue even when someone is physically alone.
This can feel constant, intrusive and overwhelming.
What is digitally-enabled abuse?
Digitally-enabled domestic abuse is when technology is used to control, intimidate, threaten or monitor another person.
It can happen in relationships with partners, ex-partners or family members, and is increasingly seen in teenage relationships. Often, it forms part of coercive control – where someone uses different tactics to limit another person’s freedom and independence.
What might it look like?
This form of abuse can be subtle and difficult to recognise. It may include:
- Constant messaging, pressure to reply immediately, or anger when someone doesn’t respond
- Using tracking apps, GPS devices or smart technology to monitor location and movements
- Demanding passwords or access to social media, emails or banking
- Creating fake profiles or impersonating someone online
- Spreading rumours or sharing humiliating content
- Threatening to share private images or information
- Sharing deepfake or digitally altered images or videos
- Controlling who someone can speak to, follow or interact with online
- Pressuring someone into unwanted sexual activity or behaviour
These behaviours allow abuse to happen 24/7. Because it is often hidden behind screens, it can be difficult for young people to recognise or escape.
When unhealthy behaviour becomes “normal”
In some teenage relationships, behaviours like checking a partner’s phone or tracking their location can be seen as normal or even expected.
But these behaviours are not healthy. They are a breach of privacy and, in some cases, may be a form of abuse or even a criminal offence.
How can we help young people stay safe?
Parents, carers and professionals all have a role in helping children and young people understand healthy relationships online.
Secure devices and accounts
- Encourage strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Review privacy settings on apps and social media
- Consider using a separate secure account or device if needed for safety
Be alert to tracking or monitoring
- Check location-sharing settings regularly
- Be aware of spyware and tracking through devices like smartwatches or smart speakers
- Seek technical support if a device may be compromised
Important: Making sudden changes to accounts or devices can sometimes increase risk if someone is being monitored. Always seek specialist advice where possible.
Keep a record
- Save screenshots of messages or abusive content securely
- Keep a private log of incidents
- Ask trusted people to help preserve evidence if needed
Report concerns
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Otherwise report to police via 101 or online: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
Get support
The Children and Young People’s Service at West Mercia Women’s Aid provides support, advice and safety planning for children, young people, parents, carers and professionals affected by domestic abuse, including digitally-enabled abuse.
Referrals can be made here or by calling 0800 980 3331.
Why this matters
Digital abuse is evolving alongside technology, and it can affect any young person, in any type of relationship.
By understanding the signs early and talking openly about healthy digital boundaries, we can help young people stay safer online and offline.
Find out more about our Children and Young People’s Service here.