Recent international investigations have highlighted emerging online networks that target young people in complex and often hidden ways. These online networks are evolving quickly, combining different forms of harm and operating in ways that can be difficult to recognise or respond to. In recent weeks, An Garda Siochana have recently announced their participation in Project Compass – a Europol project focused on the issue with Ireland one of 22 EU countries involved along with the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and other countries, targeting the problem, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
For parents, educators, and policymakers, we can take proactive steps on the ground, and understanding how these environments function is an important step in protecting young people.
What makes these networks different
Traditionally, concerns about online safety have focused on issues like cyberbullying, grooming, and more recently, extremist attitudes and online radicalisation. These networks, however, do not rely on ideology. Instead violence and cruelty are often the goal in themselves. They also operate at a rapid pace, with very little time between first contact and escalation. Harmful behaviour is rewarded, and status is gained through shock, control or abuse
The real-world impacts
The harms are not theoretical. They include:
- Sextortion and blackmail: young people are coerced into sharing images, and then threatened
- Psychological harm: anxiety, shame, isolation and fear
- Desensitisation: repeated exposure to violent or abusive content
- Escalation to harm: encouragement of self-harm or violence toward others and animals
They may store and share personal information to maintain control, making it very difficult for young people to disengage.
There is also growing evidence linking these online spaces to offline incidents, including serious acts of violence. In some cases, young perpetrators show a clear pattern of escalation in their online activity.
What should parents and educators look for?
There is no single indicator, but common warning signs include:
- sudden secrecy around devices or online activity
- withdrawal from friends, school or family
- distress after being online
- multiple or hidden social media accounts
- fear about something being “shared” online
International research shows that these networks specifically target young people in Western countries, particularly those experiencing loneliness, mental health challenges, or social difficulties.
For policymakers, this raises important questions. Are parents, teachers and schools equipped to recognise these risks? And do existing safeguarding practices and frameworks reflect this new, more complex threat?
What can we do?
As with all concerns around behaviour, the most important step is to keep open, non-judgemental conversations about online life. Young people should be encouraged to always speak up if something feels wrong, and to stay aware of the platforms they use and the behaviours they encounter. Above all, responses must recognise that young people caught up in these networks are often vulnerable and are being manipulated by skilled and coordinated abusers.
These online networks operate in environments of secrecy, isolation, and silence. The response must be the opposite: awareness, connection, and open, non-judgemental communication . If a young person’s online world changes suddenly, or something feels “off,” it is always worth asking questions. Early conversations and timely support can make a critical difference, and may prevent harm before it escalates.