Following our Clinical Director Dr. Elizabeth Lee’s recent appearance on ITV News Central for Safer Internet Day 2025, we wanted to elaborate on her important message about children’s mental wellbeing in today’s digital landscape.

During her interview, Dr. Lee provided valuable guidance on recognising signs of online distress in young people—including anxiety, mood changes, and social withdrawal—which often stem from negative digital experiences. 

As the online world presents growing challenges from sophisticated scams to targeted cyberattacks, Dr. Lee emphasised the critical role that both education and parental awareness play in safeguarding children’s mental health. 

In this article, we’ll explore strategies that parents, educators, and caregivers can employ to identify concerning behaviours, establish healthy digital boundaries, and foster open communication with young people about their online experiences.

How Our Clinical Psychologists Help Those Affected by Cyberbullying, Cybercrime and Sextortion

In today’s increasingly digital world, online victimisation has emerged as a significant concern affecting individuals across all age groups. 

At the Purple House Clinic Nottingham, our team of specialist clinical psychologists and mental health practitioners offer comprehensive support for those who have experienced cyberbullying, cybercrime, and sextortion, providing a path to recovery and renewed wellbeing.

Staying safe from scams on the Internet is increasingly important, particularly for children and young adults. 

Research indicates that a significant number of young people encounter scams regularly, with almost half of surveyed children reporting they have been victims of online fraud. 

Alarmingly, 9% of these individuals, some as young as eight, have lost money due to scams. This trend underscores the need for effective education on online safety, particularly as it relates to the annual observance of Safer Internet Day.

Young individuals often face threats from online scams, which can take many forms. One concerning trend is financial sextortion, which predominantly targets teenage boys. 

These scams typically begin with a seemingly innocent online relationship that escalates to the exchange of intimate images, followed by requests for money. 

The involvement of international criminal gangs in these schemes emphasises the urgent need for awareness and preventive education.

Schools play a crucial role in equipping students with the knowledge to recognise and respond to online scams. In classroom settings, discussions focus on identifying red flags, such as offers that seem too good to be true. 

Students are taught practical skills, including what steps to take if approached by an online stranger. For instance, they learn to ask probing questions and remain cautious about sharing personal information, including images or location data.

The psychological consequences of falling victim to online scams can be profound. Signs of distress may manifest as increased anxiety, mood swings, or withdrawal from family and social activities. 

Mental health professionals, such as psychologists, emphasise the importance of recognising these behavioural changes in children, which may indicate they are struggling with the aftermath of a scam.

Incorporating discussions about online safety into the broader community is vital.

The curriculum should extend beyond the classroom to involve parents and family members, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their technological proficiency, are informed about online dangers. 

By fostering a community-wide understanding of internet safety, the goal is to create a safer digital environment for everyone, particularly the younger generation.

Our practitioners prioritise establishing a confidential, non-judgmental environment where clients can openly discuss their experiences. 

This safe space is fundamental to the healing process, allowing individuals to verbalise distress that they may have previously kept hidden due to shame or fear.

Victims of online harm frequently experience a range of distressing emotions, including:

• Heightened anxiety and panic
• Depression and low mood
• Feelings of isolation and disconnection
• Intense shame and self-blame
• Fear of further victimisation

Our psychologists specialise in normalising these responses, helping clients understand that their reactions are natural consequences of their experiences rather than personal weaknesses.

We employ scientifically-validated therapeutic methods tailored to each client’s specific needs, including:

• • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Restructuring negative thought patterns that develop following online victimisation
  • Trauma-Focused Interventions: Addressing post-traumatic symptoms through specialised techniques
  • Mindfulness and Stress Management: Building resilience and coping strategies for managing distress

For those affected by sextortion or image-based abuse, our psychologists provide targeted interventions addressing the unique psychological impact of these experiences, including:

• • Trauma-informed care focusing on restoring control and agency
  • Techniques to manage acute stress responses
  • Strategies to rebuild self-image and personal boundaries
  • Support through potential legal proceedings

Our service extends beyond the therapy room through:

• • Liaison with educational institutions when appropriate
  • Coordination with legal professionals and the police if required
  • Guidance on practical safety measures and digital security
  • Family support to help rebuild protective social networks

Recovery involves not only addressing immediate distress but also developing lasting psychological strength. Our psychologists work with clients to:

• • Strengthen self-compassion and positive self-regard
  • Develop robust coping mechanisms for future challenges
  • Rebuild trust in relationships and online engagement
  • Reclaim personal narrative and identity beyond victimisation

We understand that seeking help can feel daunting, particularly after experiencing a violation of trust. 

Our referral process is straightforward and sensitive, ensuring that those in need can access appropriate support promptly. 

Our team of HCPC-registered clinical psychologists brings extensive experience in digital trauma and online harm, providing specialist intervention informed by the latest research and best practice guidelines. 

For further information about our services or to arrange an initial consultation, please get in touch.

“At the Purple House Clinic, Nottingham we are committed to supporting individuals through the unique challenges of digital-age victimisation, offering hope and practical pathways to recovery.”

– Dr Elizabeth Lee, Clinical Director, Purple House Clinic Nottingham

• Primary Safety Online (BBC Teach): https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/topics/cp440njz78zt
• Online Safety: Health, wellbeing and lifestyle (BBC Teach): https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/topics/c8vv58jqnd9t
• BBC Teach finds online safety issues growing among primary school children: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/bbc-teach-primary-school-online-safety-live-lesson
• To ban or not to ban? Social media and children’s online safety in the spotlight (DJS Research): https://www.djsresearch.co.uk/knowledge/article/To-ban-or-not-to-ban-Social-media-and-childrens-online-safety-in-the-spotlight
• An Introduction to Mental Health & Wellbeing (The National College): https://nationalcollege.com/webinars/an-introduction-to-mental-health-wellbeing
• Smartphones, Online Safety & Children’s Mental Health in Schools (NipInTheBud.org): https://nipinthebud.org/films-for-teachers-professionals/smartphones-online-safety-childrens-mental-health-in-schools/
• Safer Internet Day 2025 (Children’s Commissioner): https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/news-and-blogs/safer-internet-day-2025/
• ‘A tsunami of need’: Children’s mental health at an all time low (ITV News): https://www.itv.com/watch/news/a-tsunami-of-need-childrens-mental-health-at-an-all-time-low/3jdlqyl
• Safer Internet Day 2025 (Safe Online website): https://safeonline.global/financing-a-safe-digital-future-safer-internet-day-2025/
• Ad of the Day: Britain Get Talking says mental health hardest subject for school children (thedrum.com): https://www.thedrum.com/news/2023/09/25/ad-the-day-britain-get-talking-campaign-says-mental-health-the-hardest-subject