Digital technology has developed phenomenally over the past decade, both in terms of the available hardware (with smartphones rendering internet access and mobile communication available almost anywhere and anytime) and software, including the widespread adoption of social networking sites and apps. All this is having a profound impact upon how we communicate and socialise, on our leisure and learning, and in how we are provided with and receive services. With these new opportunities, though, come novel problems: the dark web, revenge porn, sexting and trolling, to name but a few.

In light of this, our latest special issue of Child Abuse Review focuses on the role of digital technology in child protection, with a freely accessible editorial by our guest editor, Bernard Gallagher, a selection of original research and review papers, and a couple of training reviews.

Table of Contents

The Role of Digital Technology in Child Protection: Still Helping and Harming? Bernard Gallagher

Technology-Related Sexual Solicitation of Adolescents: A Review of Prevention Efforts Sandy K. Wurtele and Maureen C. Kenny

The Buffering Effect of Parental Mediation in the Relationship between Adolescents’ Cyberbullying Victimisation and Adjustment Difficulties Michelle F. Wright

New Challenges in Family Support: The Use of Digital Technology in Supporting Parents Lauren Lamberton, John Devaney and Lisa Bunting

The Maintenance of Traditional and Technological Forms of Post-Adoption Contact Sarah Greenhow, Simon Hackett, Christine Jones and Elizabeth Meins

The Role of Technology in Managing People Who Have Been Convicted of Internet Child Abuse Image Offences  Claire M. Lilley

Training updates

Keeping Children Safe Online: An Online Learning Course for Anyone Working with Children, NSPCC and CEOP, London, 2014.  Vera Slavtcheva-Petkova

Staff E-safety INSET Presentation by Childnet International, London, 2016.  Emma Bond