Professor Andy Phippen

Professor of IT, Ethics and Digital Rights, Bournemouth University

Andy Phippen currently serves as Professor of Digital Rights at Bournemouth University and holds a Visiting Professorship at the University of Suffolk. With a career spanning nearly two decades, his work explores how information and communication technologies affect society, focusing on critical issues such as internet safety, data protection, sexting, peer abuse, and the impact of digital environments on well‑being. Andy has an extensive publication record, having authored 17 books along with numerous journal articles and book chapters. He actively contributes to policy making—providing written and oral evidence to parliamentary inquiries—and is a frequent media commentator on youth and internet safety. He also serves on the International Panel on Child Protection and Social Media and supports prominent UK online safety efforts through partnerships with the UK Safer Internet Centre, Internet Matters, and roles within the British Computer Society and SWGfL.

10:00

1 Main programme

Keynote: Keeping Children with SEND safe online: Evidence-based strategies for safer, more inclusive digital experiences

Children with SEND experience unique opportunities and risks in digital spaces. Whilst technology can enhance communication, learning and social interaction, children with SEND can face heightened online risks, including cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to harmful content. Existing safeguarding strategies often fail to address their specific needs, focusing on risk avoidance rather than empowerment. This keynote will draw upon an evidence-based analysis of the complex intersection of SEND, digital technology and online safety to offer practical recommendations, including how schools can lead on multi-stakeholder approaches to create a safer and more accessible digital world.