July 2nd 2025
Too many people with learning disabilities are being left to navigate the online world without the support they need. A new report from the Digital Care Hub calls on the adult social care sector to work together to improve digital confidence, inclusion and safety for everyone.
The Online but unsupported research, commissioned by Better Security, Better Care and delivered by Cyber Champions, shares real-life experiences from people with learning disabilities and those who support them. It highlights the positive role digital access plays in people’s lives—alongside practical recommendations to help the care sector to offer the right support.
Participants described the internet as a lifeline for staying connected, listening to music and enjoying daily life. But the research found that digital safety is too often left to chance:
- 84% of people said they would find cyber safety training helpful—but nearly two-thirds had never received any outside school or college
- Only 31% knew how to spot a fake email
- 29% did not know how to change privacy settings
- Over 85% of people with learning disabilities said they don’t receive regular help to use online services
- One in four paid carers had received little or no digital safety training in their role.
The report sets out five clear recommendations for the adult social care sector:
- Develop accessible cyber guidance – including easy read guides, step-by-step videos, and clear explanations of passwords, privacy settings and online safety tools.
- Provide tailored cyber safety training – using real-life scenarios, theatre-based learning, and content built around people’s interests and experiences.
- Deliver relevant training for paid carers and support staff – focused on practical skills such as recognising scams, managing device security, and supporting safe online behaviour.
- Offer targeted support for unpaid carers – helping families understand risks like sexting or romance fraud and feel more confident offering online guidance.
- Establish a communication and engagement plan – to share new threats, celebrate success, and keep the whole sector learning together.
Michelle Corrigan, Director of Digital Care Hub, said:
“We heard clearly from people with learning disabilities and their carers: digital access is important to them, and so is feeling safe. This report offers insights and ideas that can help the whole sector work together to improve confidence and build inclusive support. By sharing what’s already working and listening to lived experience, we can all help create a digital care environment that works for everyone.”
Samantha Leonard, Director of ARC England – the umbrella body for organisations supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, said:
“We welcome this important research, which echoes what we hear from our members across England. People with learning disabilities want the same digital opportunities as everyone else, and with the right support, they can use technology in safe, meaningful and independent ways. This report helps shine a light on the practical steps we can all take to make that happen.”
The Digital Care Hub will work with care providers, carers and people with lived experience to put the findings into practice and share learning across the sector.
View the summary report and Easy Read version at www.digitalcarehub.co.uk/OnlineButUnsupported
Contact
Email – [email protected]
Tel – 07802 419 136
Image credit: Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Notes to editors
- The research was commissioned as part of the Better Security, Better Care programme and delivered by Cyber Champions between January and March 2025.
- The study involved:
- 50 survey respondents (18 people with learning disabilities and 32 carers or supporting organisations)
- 10 interviews with 12 participants
- 4 focus groups with 32 people (10 staff and 22 people with learning disabilities)
- Secondary research including national statistics and published literature
- The five recommendations cover practical guidance, training for both paid and unpaid carers, and a sector-wide plan to share learning and updates.
About Digital Care Hub
The Digital Care Hub provides free information, guidance and support to enable adult social care providers to make the most of digital technology – and to do it safely.
Digital Care Hub is an independent consortium, led by care providers, so they understand the needs and challenges facing the diverse range of organisations in the sector.
Digital Care Hub works closely with care providers, technology suppliers, organisations representing people who draw on services and carers, commissioners and regulators. They also work with NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to inform and influence policy, guidance, and implementation plans. They deliver the Better Security, Better Care programme – providing free support on completing and implementing the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
About Cyber Champions
Cyber Champions is a not-for-profit initiative encompassing organisations from the private, voluntary and public sectors. Its goal is to make a difference to local communities and future generations by promoting best practices in digital literacy, online safety and cyber skills. Since its launch at the House of Commons in June 2011, over 27,000 children, parents and senior citizens have benefited from Cyber Champions workshops, with the initiative continuing to grow and evolve. Cyber Champions has achieved national recognition and was a finalist at the National Cyber Awards 2024.
For more information, including how to partner with Cyber Champions, please contact [email protected]
About ARC England
ARC England is the umbrella body for organisations that provide care, support and education to people with learning disabilities, autism, and other additional needs.
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