Annual Public Lecture: Keeping Our Children and Young People Safe Online

14th Jan 2026

We are pleased to invite you to Equality Action’s Annual Public Lecture 2026, an important evening of discussion and knowledge-sharing focused on one of the most pressing issues facing families, educators and communities today.

Public Lecture: Keeping Our Children and Young People Safe Online

📍 Edward Herbert Building, Loughborough University
📆 Wednesday 25 February 2026
🕖 7.00pm – 8.30pm

🎟️ Book Your Spot Here 🎟️

As children and young people spend increasing amounts of time online, concerns around digital safety, mental health, online influence and exposure to harm continue to grow. From social media pressures and online exploitation to gaming, misinformation and digital wellbeing, navigating the online world has become a shared challenge.

This year’s lecture brings together voices from policing, education, psychology and the voluntary sector to explore these risks and consider how we can work together to better support children and young people to stay safe, informed and resilient online.

Keynote Speakers

Grace Strong
Director of Prevention, Leicestershire Police

Lisa Wilkinson
Community and Young People Involvement Manager, Violence Reduction Network

Panel Discussion & Q&A

• Dr Nisha Karia – Clinical Psychologist, Systemic Practitioner and accredited EMDR Therapist
• Sarah Sadler – Area Director of Schools, Learn Academies Trust (Learn-AT)
• Hema Badger-Mistry – CEO, Pedestrian (arts and education charity)
• Ismail Sarwar – Young person representative

The panel will explore real-world challenges and practical responses to online risks, with time for audience questions.

Who Should Attend

This event is open to parents and carers, educators, youth workers, professionals, community leaders and young people who want to take part in an informed, practical and grounded conversation.

What You’ll Gain

• A clearer understanding of the current online risks facing children and young people
• Insight into prevention, safeguarding and early intervention approaches
• Practical perspectives from multiple sectors
• Space for discussion, reflection and shared learning

We would be grateful if you could also share this invitation with colleagues, networks and anyone working with or caring for young people.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Parking Information

• Car Park 5: https://maps.lboro.ac.uk/?l=car-park-5
• Car Park 1 (Blue Badge holders only): https://maps.lboro.ac.uk/?l=car-park-admin-1

To reduce stress on the day, visitor parking can be booked in advance online, via the app or by phone:
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/fm/services/traffic-parking/visitors/

Campus map: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/about/campus-map/