Online Safety Books, Training & Talks
Why Learn About Online Safety from Me?
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Online safety has been a major part of my professional life for more than two decades, built on a career spanning over 30 years in IT, websites and digital technology.
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For 14 years, I worked as IT Manager for a large autism charity, supporting autistic children, young people, families and professionals. During that time, the increasing use of the internet and social media created new opportunities - but also new risks - for autistic young people.
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Following increased national awareness of the challenges autistic individuals could face online, the charity received government funding to develop an online safety education programme specifically for autistic children and teenagers. As part of this initiative, I worked directly with small groups of autistic pupils in schools throughout Northamptonshire, delivering practical internet safety sessions designed around the way autistic young people learn and communicate.
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This work gave me first-hand experience of the questions, challenges and misunderstandings many autistic children faced online. It also highlighted the lack of resources available for parents, carers, teachers and professionals.
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In 2014, Jessica Kingsley Publishers approached me after learning about the work I was doing and asked whether I would be interested in writing a book. The result was Online Safety for Children & Teens on the Autism Spectrum, first published in 2015. The book has continued to evolve alongside technology and online risks and is now in its 4th Edition, fully updated for today's digital world.
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Alongside my work with schools, I also worked closely with the Government's Prevent programme, as well as colleagues from the police, prison and social work services, contributing to wider discussions around online safety, digital behaviour, safeguarding and protecting vulnerable people.
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Following publication of the book, I became an Online Safety Advisor, providing guidance and training for parents, schools and organisations on helping children and young people stay safe online. Over the years, I have delivered talks, training sessions and practical advice to support families and professionals navigating an increasingly complex digital world.
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Today, my work has expanded to include Internet Safety for Over 60s, combining decades of technical experience with practical advice to help older adults recognise scams, protect their personal information and use technology with confidence.
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Whether through my books, training sessions or talks, my aim remains the same:
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To make online safety practical, accessible and easy to understand for everyone.
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Online Safety Training & Talks
Practical Online Safety Training Tailored to Your Audience
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In addition to writing online safety books, I deliver practical, engaging online safety sessions tailored to the needs of different audiences. Whether you're a school supporting autistic pupils, a charity working with vulnerable groups, or a care home helping older adults build digital confidence, I can provide training that is relevant, easy to understand and immediately useful.
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I can provide training for:
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Schools and Additional Support Needs (ASN) settings
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Autism charities and support organisations
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Parents, carers and family groups
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Care homes and retirement communities
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Community groups and voluntary organisations
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Libraries and community learning centres
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Businesses supporting vulnerable clients
Every session is adapted to the audience and can cover topics such as:
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Staying safe online
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Recognising scams and fraud
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Social media safety
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Passwords and account security
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Online privacy
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Safe browsing
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) awareness
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Cyberbullying and online wellbeing
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Digital confidence and best practice
Available Throughout Scotland and Online
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Training can be delivered in person or online and can be tailored to your organisation's specific requirements.
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If you're looking for practical, jargon-free online safety training for children, young people, autistic individuals or older adults, I'd be delighted to help.
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Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
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Online Safety Books
Practical Online Safety Guides for Different Ages and Needs
Whether you're supporting an autistic young person or learning to stay safe online in later life, these books provide clear, practical advice without technical jargon.
Online Safety for Children & Teens on the Autism Spectrum
Supporting autistic children, teenagers, parents, carers and educators with practical strategies for navigating the digital world safely and confidently.
Internet Safety for Over 60s
A straightforward guide to recognising scams, protecting personal information, avoiding fraud and using today's technology with confidence.
Online Safety for Children & Teens on the Autism Spectrum
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First published in 2015, this practical guide was inspired by my 14 years as IT Manager for a large autism charity, where I worked closely with autistic children, young people, families and professionals.
As technology has evolved, so has the book, with each edition updated to reflect the latest online risks, apps and digital trends.
The 4th Edition, released in 2026, provides up-to-date, practical advice to help autistic children and teenagers stay safe, confident and informed online.
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Read more...
Internet Safety for Over 60s
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As someone turning 60 this year, I understand that technology can sometimes feel like it's changing faster than we can keep up. That's why I wrote this practical guide - to help older adults use the internet with confidence, without confusing technical jargon.
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Drawing on more than 30 years' experience in IT, websites and digital technology, the book explains how to recognise scams, protect personal information, avoid online fraud and make the most of today's digital world.
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Written in plain English with clear, practical advice, it provides the knowledge and confidence to stay safe online while enjoying everything the internet has to offer.
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Read more...