Online safety and autism

The internet can be a valuable resource for social interaction, information, and entertainment. 

However, it also presents unique challenges and dangers, especially for individuals with autism. While we all rely on and use technology a lot, it’s important to acknowledge that autistic individuals are often more vulnerable to online bullying and harassment. These experiences can significantly impact their self-esteem, health, wellbeing, and social interactions. It’s crucial to understand these risks and know how to protect yourself and others online.

Establishing routines

Routines are essential for autistic individuals and their families. They provide stability, reduce stress, and help set expectations. Creating routines around digital device usage can help prevent unhealthy habits and promote a balanced lifestyle.

One important aspect to consider is the location where digital devices are used. Keeping devices out of bedrooms can help establish a clear separation between rest and activity time, which can improve sleep quality and wellbeing. Instead, have specific areas in your home for using digital devices that are away from the bedroom. 

Consider the time of day when digital devices are used. It's best to avoid using them immediately after waking up or right before bed, as this can disrupt sleep patterns and increase anxiety. 

Another important consideration is how long you spend on digital devices. It's easy to lose track of time while sitting behind a screen. Limiting screen time helps ensure a balanced routine, including physical activity and outdoor time. Experts recommend limiting gaming time to no more than two hours per day.

There are settings built into digital devices that can help reduce screen time. You can click on the links relevant to your device/s to learn how to limit screen time, particularly on apps you want to visit less frequently:

• iPhones, iPads or iPods
• Android phones
• Apple Macs
• Xbox and Microsoft devices

Digital literacy

Digital literacy is important in an age where online scams and cyber-attacks are so common. While many autistic individuals have a strong understanding of digital security, others may be more vulnerable. Making sure everyone has the knowledge to protect their personal information is essential.

Recognising potential scams and knowing how to respond to suspicious messages is crucial. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking and online shopping, and always keep personal details private. It's vital to know what information is safe to share online.

Below are some simple staples that can be taken to improve online security. 

• Keeping devices updated ensures they have the latest security features. 
• Regularly backing up important data, such as photos and files, provides 
• Multi-factor authentication adds an extra step to the login process, making accounts more secure. 
• Using strong passwords or pass-phrases can also help safeguard personal information.

Sharing information online

We all share information online regularly. Whether posting on social media, participating in forums, or sending emails, it's important to share safely and positively. Understanding what personal information is and how to protect it can help you stay safe online.

What is personal information?

Personal information includes all those details about your life that should be kept private. These details can reveal who you are and could put you at risk if shared with strangers. Here are some examples:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Birthday
• School
• Passwords

How long do things stay online?

Once you share something online, it can be hard to take it back. You might be able to delete the post, but you can't stop others from copying or screenshotting it and sharing it further. This means your information could spread much wider than you intended.

Things to ask yourself before sharing

Before you post anything online, it's good to pause and ask yourself a few questions. Here are some examples.

• Can someone identify you? Are you sharing something that could let a stranger know who you are?
• Will what you’re sharing give people a good impression of you?
• Have you thought about how your post might make others feel?
• Would you be comfortable if your parents, teachers, or friends saw what you shared?
• Have you set your privacy settings to protect what you share? Is your account private?

If you answer ‘No’ or ‘I’m not sure’ to any of these questions, it might be worth rethinking your post. Some things are best kept private.

Online safety and internet scams

It's important to recognise online risks to stay safe while using digital devices. You can control who sees your information by adjusting privacy settings on social media. Be cautious about sharing personal details online to avoid scams, where your personal information is shared publicly without your consent. Identifying signs of scams and fake profiles, such as catfishing, is crucial. It's also important to know what constitutes inappropriate or illegal online activities. Limiting time spent online can help you avoid the negative effects of excessive screen time.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals are getting more creative with their scams, making it easier to fall for them. Here are some common types of scams and tips to protect yourself.

Types of scams

• Phishing: You get a message asking for sensitive data like passwords, credit card numbers, or bank details.
• Identity theft: Someone steals your identity to commit fraud, like making purchases with your credit card.
• Social engineering/catfishing: Someone pretends to be someone else to get access to your computer or phone. For example, a scammer might pretend to be a friend asking for personal information.
• Spoofing emails: Emails that look like they're from legitimate sources but are actually from scammers.

Protecting yourself from scams

You can take some simple and practical steps to help protect yourself or your loved one online.

• Double-check information: Always verify emails, messages, and websites before giving out personal information.
• Be wary of offers: Be cautious of unexpected offers or requests for money. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Avoid unfamiliar links: Don't click on links from sources you don't recognise.
• Use antivirus software: Ensure you have reliable antivirus software and keep it up to date.
• Security tools: Use tools like two-factor authentication and password managers to add extra security.
• Take your time: Verify the legitimacy of online interactions and ask friends or professionals for advice if you're unsure.

Social media

Social media has its issues, but it can also be a valuable tool for socialising, especially for the autistic community. It provides a platform for connecting with others in a way that suits their unique communication styles. However, navigating this space carefully is important to avoid negative experiences.

Understanding the unspoken rules of social media and engaging positively can help make social media a meaningful form of socialising. It’s important to use these platforms in a way that supports your needs and preferences.

Cyberbullying and online harassment

Autistic individuals are more likely to experience bullying, including cyberbullying. Recognising when behaviour crosses the line from a basic disagreement to harassment is essential. Setting boundaries, such as blocking inappropriate users, can help manage these difficult situations.

It's also important to understand the unspoken rules of online interactions, sometimes referred to as the "hidden rules." These include avoiding sending too many messages too frequently, recognising that typing in all caps can be interpreted as shouting and learning to identify when someone is joking or being sarcastic. Ignoring trolls and not engaging with negative comments can also help create a more positive online experience.

Online bullying and harassment are serious issues, and they are often harder to deal with than in-person bullying because of the anonymity and continuous nature of online platforms. Cyberbullying can take many forms, including:

• Aggressive, threatening, or unkind messages: These can be sent privately or in group chats and can be highly distressing.
• Public posts: Posts that bully, threaten, or spread misinformation about a person publicly.
• Encouraging harassment: Persuading others to bully or harass someone.
• Verbal harassment in video games: Using in-game messaging to bully others.
• Sharing personal information without consent: This includes sharing messages, images, videos, and in extreme cases, nude photos (known as 'revenge porn').
• Hacking: Gaining unauthorised access to someone’s profile to change it in a way that embarrasses or endangers them.
• Catfishing: Creating fake profiles to deceive others into forming relationships or sending personal information.
• Impersonation: Using fake profiles to impersonate someone and harass or bully others.

Cyberbullying can have significant emotional and psychological effects. It's important to be able to recognise the signs that someone may be experiencing it. These signs include feeling upset after using their phone or computer, being secretive about online activities, and appearing nervous when receiving messages or emails. Other signs include withdrawing from school, friends, family, and usual activities, declining academic or work performance, and displaying unusual anger or acting out. Additionally, spending more time alone, especially in their room, suddenly wanting to stop using their devices, and experiencing unexplained changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, or appetite are also signs of potential cyberbullying.

Taking action against cyberbullying

If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, it’s important to act quickly. Start by telling a family member, friend, or colleague that you trust about the harassment—they can help you address the issue or find someone else who can help. Create a safe environment where the person experiencing cyberbullying can talk about their experiences without fear of judgment. Avoid engaging with the bully or retaliating, and if there’s blackmail or threats involved, contact the police immediately. Report the harassment to the social media platform and block the offending accounts. Keep evidence by saving screenshots, photos, or written notes about the incidents. Most importantly, take a break from your digital devices. 

Building safe online friendships

For many autistic individuals, online friendships can be a great source of comfort and companionship. These relationships can be meaningful as they provide social interaction without the pressures of traditional social cues and rules. The online community also provides the opportunity to find like-minded people and form connections based on shared interests.

When you're planning to meet an online friend in person, it's important to stay safe. Make sure to meet in busy, public places during the daytime. It’s also a good idea to bring a friend along or at least tell someone you trust about the meeting details. Have a clear plan for where you'll go and what you'll do. Always have an exit strategy in case you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Most importantly, trust your instincts—if something feels off, it's perfectly okay to leave or speak up.

Taking breaks from overwhelming content

Sometimes, even non-threatening online content can become overwhelming. Social media feeds can be filled with posts and information that can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to manage this without unfollowing or blocking someone. You can snooze someone’s posts for 30 days on platforms like Facebook to take a break. Hide all posts from a user or certain ads to clear up your feed. Mute notifications from a person or group chat if they become too distracting. You can also restrict someone by moving their conversations out of your chat list and preventing them from seeing when you’re online.