Raising children today means guiding them through an online world that changes rapidly. In this episode of Care Visions Family Talk, we explored a growing digital trend every carer should understand. Some online spaces aimed at boys and young men promise brotherhood and belonging, but also promote unhealthy and extreme ideas about gender, relationships, and identity. These spaces can be confusing and harmful, especially for teenagers who are still shaping their sense of self.

Professor Harriet Over, a psychologist from the University of York, joined Dr Linda de Caestecker to unpack how carers could recognise harmful online influences and support young people in navigating them.

Together, they covered:

• What these online communities looked like and why they appealed to boys and young men
• How extreme content spread through social media, gaming, and forums
• Signs that a young person might have been influenced by harmful messages
• How carers could open up non-judgemental conversations and build digital resilience

About our guest:
Professor Harriet Over is a professor of psychology at the University of York. Her research investigates the development of prejudice and discrimination in childhood. Her latest project, funded by the European Research Council, explored how online misogyny influences young people's behaviour and experiences.

About our host:
Dr Linda de Caestecker is a public health expert with over 30 years' experience, including as Director of Public Health for Greater Glasgow and Clyde. With a clinical background in obstetrics and gynaecology, she advises the Scottish Government on health policy and serves on the boards of Community Justice Scotland and Glasgow City Mission.

This episode formed part of Care Visions Family Talks – a one-hour online interview series profiling expert work in child development, followed by audience Q&A. These talks aim to share valuable insights from professionals with foster carers, parents, and anyone raising young people.

Recorded live at The Grange Manor in Grangemouth, this powerful panel discussion explored how exploitation is evolving in today’s digital world. Whether you work with young people, are raising children through uncertain times, or simply want to deepen your understanding, this conversation offered vital insight.

Exploitation in 2025 isn’t always visible. It can occur through a screen, behind closed doors, or in plain sight. From exposure to pornography and online grooming, to coercion via social media and peer pressure, young people are facing risks previous generations could hardly imagine.

Hosted by public health expert Dr Linda de Caestecker, the panel featured:

• Professor Alexis Jay, renowned child protection expert and former Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
• Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Lead at Crimestoppers, who has spearheaded national campaigns including work on sextortion awareness

Together, they unpacked the current landscape of online exploitation, how it manifests, and what practical steps we can take to better support and protect the young people in our lives.

What we covered:

• How online platforms can be used for grooming, coercion, and exploitation
• The risks young people face around what they learn online about sex and relationships
• The importance of early intervention, open dialogue, and spotting warning signs
• How parents, carers, educators, and professionals can respond with clarity and compassion

This episode is part of Care Visions’ commitment to raising awareness and empowering communities to take action.

In this thoughtful and reflective conversation, author and broadcaster Humphrey Hawksley spoke with John Whitwellabout his remarkable career in child care and therapeutic practice.

John began his work at the pioneering Cotswold Community, becoming its Principal in 1985. During his time there, he worked alongside influential figures such as Richard Balbernie, Barbara Dockar-Drysdale, and Isabel Menzies Lyth, helping to shape therapeutic residential care for children. He later became Managing Director of the UK’s first independent fostering agency, Integrated Services Programme, where he developed therapeutic approaches within family settings.

A qualified Group Psychotherapist, John has also contributed as a trustee for Gloucester Counselling Service, the Planned Environment Trust, and the Mulberry Bush Organisation.

This episode explored:

• The core principles of therapeutic care
• The role of psychodynamic theory in both residential and foster care
• The healing power of relationships and how to realise their therapeutic potential
• The importance of creating community to support recovery and development

Listeners were also invited to reflect on John's deep experience and personal journey, offering valuable insights into how children’s wellbeing and recovery from trauma can be supported across different care contexts.

Who was this for?
This episode was designed for anyone interested in children’s emotional development and recovery from trauma. It was particularly relevant to professionals working in residential child care, foster care, social work, education, therapy, and counselling.

About our host: Humphrey Hawksley
An acclaimed author, foreign correspondent, and commentator, Humphrey Hawksley has reported from across the globe for the BBC, covering major trends, conflicts, and social issues. His documentaries have examined human rights in global trade, development failures, the nuclear industry, and democracy across cultures. He is also the author of the Future History series and several international thrillers, and has written for major newspapers and lectured at top universities.