Digital Manipulation and Human Vulnerability: Safeguarding Young People in an Age of Online Influence

Transform your understanding of digital manipulation and young people vulnerability. 

Join this expert-led webinar for parents, carers, educators, and anyone supporting or living with young people to gain actionable insights, practical tools, and risk-recognition skills.

This session explores how rapidly evolving digital technologies are reshaping the risks young people face online. From AI-generated content and deepfakes to manipulative online influence, grooming, and disinformation, the digital environment is becoming increasingly complex. 

Drawing on insights from psychology, digital media studies, and safeguarding practice, this webinar will help you understand:

• how digital manipulation works online

  
  

• why young people may be particularly vulnerable

  
  

• emerging risks including deepfakes, mis and disinformation, grooming, and online influence

  
  

• how manipulation spreads through social media ecosystems

  
  

• practical ways to support young people in navigating these challenges safely

  
  

This session is designed as an accessible introduction for everyone, with practical insights and time for questions.

Why Choose This Training?

Realistic, relevant, and timely

Focused on the safeguarding challenges young people face online in 2026, informed by real-world cases and emerging digital risks.

Clear introduction to digital manipulation and online influence

An accessible overview of how AI-generated content, misinformation, grooming, and online influence can affect young people.

Delivered by experienced subject matter experts

Led by trainers with extensive experience across safeguarding, security, and risk-focused environments.

Engaging and practical

Designed to hold attention, encourage reflection, and provide actionable insights within a short, focused session.

Supports ongoing learning

Provides participants with a deeper understanding of digital risks and early warning signs of vulnerability.

Who Is This Training For?

• Parents and carers

• Siblings, grandparents, and other family members

• Community members and youth workers

• Anyone who lives with or interacts regularly with young people

What Participants Say

“It was the best training I have had on the subject.”

— UK Policing Professional

“I just wanted to reach out to say a big thank you for spending time with our team yesterday. Your presentations were awesome! In particular, the session covering Disinformation and Misinformation was fascinating, truly fascinating! The [...] session was also excellent and there was a lot of good learning packed in there. I have to add that I loved the energy that you brought to the room and the balance and pitch of your inputs was just perfect. I do quite a lot of presentations to partners and stakeholders [...], so I’m always looking at presentation styles and you certainly know how to keep your audience engaged. Bravo!!”

— UK Policing Professional

“I thought this was an excellent input by Magda yesterday. Really informative and she is such a breath of fresh air, so engaging and just a fantastic person!”

— UK Policing Professional

“I left feeling really positive, despite the topic…”

— UK Policing Professional

"Knowledgeable facilitator, good pace to the training".

— Participant

Agenda (1 Hour)

Digital Manipulation and Human Vulnerability:

Safeguarding Young People in an Age of Online Influence

Date & Time: Thursday 16th April 2026, 16:00–17:00 (Online)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify emerging digital risks affecting young people in 2026.

  
  

• Recognise early warning signs of vulnerability linked to grooming, misinformation, and online influence.

  
  

• Understand how AI-generated content, misinformation, and social media manipulation can affect beliefs, behaviours, and risk exposure.

  
  

• Apply practical strategies to support young people in navigating the online environment safely.

  
  

• Access ready-to-use guidance and tools to promote awareness and early safeguarding at home or in the community.

  
  

Agenda 

16:00 – Welcome & Introductions

• Overview of the session and purpose

  
  

• Why digital manipulation is a growing safeguarding concern

  
  

16:05 – Understanding Digital Manipulation

• How AI, misinformation, grooming, and influence operate online and how it affects young people

  
  

• Real-life anonymised case studies

  
  

16:20 – Recognising Vulnerability

• Signs that a young person may be at risk

  
  

• Behavioural, emotional, and online cues

  
  

16:35 – Supporting Young People Safely

• Practical tips

  
  

• Guidance for conversations and interventions

  
  

• Resources for further support

  
  

16:45 – Q&A (15 minutes)

17:00 – Close