Conclusions and the Future of Online Safety and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
摘要
This chapter concludes the book by emphasizing the urgent need for an inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach to online safety for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It critiques current prohibitionist policies, which prioritize content removal over education, resilience-building, and collaboration, often limiting digital opportunities for children with SEND. Instead, a rights-based framework is proposed, balancing protection with accessibility to ensure digital inclusion. Key recommendations highlight the role of educators, parents, policymakers, and technology providers in co-designing safeguarding strategies that move beyond restrictive measures towards empowerment and autonomy. The chapter calls for cross-sector collaboration, evidence-based policymaking, and tailored interventions, ensuring that safeguarding efforts reflect the diverse needs of SEND children. By embedding digital literacy, stakeholder engagement, and resilience-focused strategies into practice, a more inclusive and supportive online environment can be achieved.