Protecting Children from Online Danger – With Harry Houghton - UK Police Digital Forensics Examiner

Cliff speaks with Harry Houghton, a digital forensics examiner, as he shares how online predators work and what parents can do about it. They talk about the reality of digital investigations, including why that school uniform photo might be more dangerous than you think and how groomers use apps like Roblox to target kids. Harry explains when to call 999 for online threats, introduces the CEOP website that most parents don't know about and shares why talking openly with your children works better than blocking everything. Whether your child is neurotypical or neurodivergent, this conversation covers practical steps for staying safe online. Episode Reveals • How digital forensics work is evolving rapidly. Police now examine terabytes of data, extracting messages, location data, and web history to build criminal cases and protect victims. • Why open communication beats restrictions. Honest conversations about online dangers are more effective than simply blocking access or imposing limits without explanation. • CEOP is a free National Crime Agency resource that provides age appropriate education materials for all key stages and includes vital online reporting functions for suspected abuse. • Many social media posts reveal dangerous information, creating digital footprints that predators can exploit. • Why Parents shouldn't hesitate to call emergency services if they suspect grooming or inappropriate contact with their child, as immediate action prevents evidence destruction. • Why Neurodivergent children face additional risks. Children with autism may struggle to recognise social cues or manipulative behaviour, making them potentially more vulnerable to predators who exploit misplaced trust. • The future brings new dangers, including AI-generated imagery and encrypted messaging apps, making prevention and education more crucial than ever before. BEST MOMENTS "If you are sharing a photo of your child in their school uniform to Facebook or to Instagram or to TikTok... now the whole internet knows what school Johnny goes to." "It is an emergency, so it do, you can ring 999 for that, that is a valid thing to do. You’re not gonna get penalised for saying, I think someone is abusing my child over the internet." "Communication is the key, the best thing, and it really did make a difference." RESOURCES linkedin.com/in/harry-hought0n https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/ 👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff “What To do when your child shuts down” book out now - https://amzn.eu/d/iOMsOrF New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV CONTACT ME · Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 · Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/⁠ X - @KilmisterCliff HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!