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Catherine Knibbs

Catherine Knibbs

Human Behaviour Technologist and Ethicist. Psychotherapist and Researcher

Cath is a Clinical Doctoral Researcher, Online Harms and Cybertrauma Consultant, Public Speaker, Author of 6 books (5 to date with Routledge), an Educator and TEDx Speaker. She is a Child/Adult Trauma Psychotherapist and Supervisor in private practice. She is also a Functional Health Practitioner integrating DNA and body functions testing and Nutrigenomics into her work with clients.

She works with global and national organisations regarding child sexual abuse material and how to prevent cybertrauma burnout in those roles. She works with global organisations consulting on Mental health and Immersive Technologies (MHVR) and the harms that can occur in the new digital spaces (XRSI). She writes about and works with Cybertrauma, which is any trauma that occurs through an internet-ready device or medium.
She also educates therapists and practitioners via her company name Privacy4 about Data protection/privacy/cybersecurity issues in relation to their practice.

She disrupts and advocates for children’s rights, privacy, and online digital explorations. Catherine is also the mental health advisor for Gamers Beat Cancer charity. She uses gaming in therapeutic situations, coaching, trauma psychotherapy and for getting the best from yourself. She has been using biofeedback/tech and gaming for over a decade to elicit post traumatic growth, healing and flow in her clients and self.

Her books include Cybertrauma: the Darker side of the Internet; Children, Technology and Healthy Development, Children and Sexual-Based Online Harms, Cybertrauma and Online Harms, and Data Protection and Cybersecurity for Practitioners and the newest one forms part of the British Psychological Society ‘Ask the expert series’ with Routledge called: How to manage your social media and gaming habits. She also has another book especially for parents coming this summer, for all ages and technology issues you may face.

A daughter talking to her dad Q&A
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How can parents create an open environment for children to talk?

Getting children to open up about their lives on and offline can be challenging as they grow up. To help our experts offer advice to help you do just that.

Child on phone in bedroom Q&A
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How might tech affect feelings of loneliness in young people?

Our expert panel discusses the impacts of online tech on children and young people, especially how it may affect feelings of loneliness.

Child looking at pone with father in living room Q&A
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Promoting gender equality online with children and young people

Gender equality online can be challenging. Learn how to discuss it with your child and support their understanding.

A family, with the youngest child using a VR Headset Q&A
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What are some great ways to support family time with tech?

Internet Matters' experts share tips on making the most out of technology to support family time all year long.

A child wearing a headset using a laptop Q&A
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How can children make use of online support communities?

Our expert panel discusses the benefits of online communities in supporting children and young people.

Girl on her phone Q&A
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Is social media an obstacle to my child’s mental health?

Our expert panel explores the links between social media and mental health. Learn what you can do to help manage their digital lives and reduce risks.

A young girl smiles while using a tablet. Q&A
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How to talk about wellbeing and tech with children

Internet Matters experts give practical advice and tips on children and young people's wellbeing and how, if it does, is affected by technology.

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What should parents know about teens and online dating?

As online dating has become the new normal for adults, we ask our experts to shed a light on how this phenomenon is affecting teens.

A person holds a smartphone in front of them with a person on screen. Expert Opinion
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Understanding the impact of sexting on a child’s mind

Catherine Knibbs explains the psychology behind the growing use of sexting among young people.

Two children using a tablet together Q&A
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Expert advice on screen time, summer selfies and more

During the summer holidays it can be difficult to pull your tweens and teens away from their smartphones or tablets. Whether it be chatting to their friends on social media or gaming online, the internet offers children a digital escape during the summer break.

A teen girl looking at herself in the mirror Q&A
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In the age of selfies, how can I help my child maintain a positive body image?

There is a lot of conversation about the impact of social media on young people. Whether your child expresses worry about their body image or not, our experts share advice on helping them develop positive self-esteem.

Child walking with rucksack Q&A
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How can I manage the step change in my child’s digital life as they start secondary school?

From learning how to interact with others online to opening social accounts our experts provide insight to support children through this transition online.

A teen sits on a step using a smartphone. Q&A
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Why are children encouraging others to ‘roast’ them online?

While self-harm is seen to be physical abuse, now, more teens are using social media to encourage others to abuse them online. Experts give insight into why this is happening and what you can do to support your child.

Two teens taking a selfie Q&A
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How can I encourage my child to share safely online?

Experts give advice on questions surrounding oversharing, monitoring what children share online and the safest social platforms for children.

A child using her phone, looking happy Q&A
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How can I help my child have a safe school break online?

Get expert advice for online safety during school breaks.

Curiosity article quotes Expert Opinion
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Kids’ curiosity online: What does it mean to parents?

These are direct quotes from some of the young clients who appear in my therapy room for issues that they often relate to the internet. This is a part of my work that is almost a weekly conversation with children and young adults varying between the ages of 7 and 22. I have even noticed […]