January Spotlight: Digital Abuse

Understanding Digital Abuse in the Context of Child to Parent Abuse

In the age of technology, digital tools have become a central part of our daily lives. However, for some families, these tools are misused as instruments of control and harm. Digital abuse, a form of technology-facilitated abuse, is increasingly being seen in cases of Child to Parent Abuse (CPA), where children or teenagers use technology to intimidate, manipulate, or exert power over their parents or caregivers. While often overlooked, this emerging issue has significant implications for families and requires urgent attention.

In 2022, almost 30% of parental figures who had completed one of PEGS yearly surveys had shared how they were being abused via the use of technology. Behaviours can often include:

Constant Monitoring: Demanding access to a parent’s phone, emails, or social media accounts, or tracking their location via GPS.
Threats via Technology: Sending abusive messages or threatening to share sensitive or embarrassing information online.
Hacking and Control: Gaining unauthorized access to a parent’s accounts, devices, or financial information to manipulate or restrict their actions.
Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to humiliate, intimidate, or demean parents publicly or privately.
Doxing – Using various ways to search for and publish private or identifying information about a parental figure on the internet.

CPA is already a challenging issue to address, and the addition of digital abuse creates further complexity. Technology provides children with tools to maintain control over their parents even when physical proximity is limited. For many parents, the abuse is compounded by

feelings of shame, isolation, and confusion about how to handle behaviour that defies traditional parent-child roles. The impact of digital abuse on parents can be profound. Constant monitoring or harassment via technology leaves parents feeling trapped and powerless in their own homes. The loss of privacy, coupled with the emotional strain of managing an abusive relationship with their child, can lead to

anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. For many, the experience is compounded by a lack of understanding or support from others who may dismiss or misunderstand CPA.

Parents and caregivers experiencing digital abuse often face unique challenges in recognising and addressing the

behaviour. Some warning signs include:

A child demanding access to devices or accounts and becoming aggressive if denied.
Excessive messaging or calls, particularly with controlling or abusive language.
Threats to post private information or publicly humiliate the parent online.
Unauthorized purchases or changes to financial or personal accounts made by the child.

Steps to Address Digital Abuse in CPA

If you’re a parent facing digital abuse from your child, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and begin addressing the situation:

Secure Your Digital Presence: Update all passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consider using apps to monitor and manage access to devices and accounts.
Document the Abuse: Keep a record of abusive messages or activity as evidence, which may be necessary for legal or therapeutic interventions.
Seek Professional Support: Organizations specializing in CPA, like PEGS, can provide guidance, workshops, and one-to-one support to help you navigate these challenges.
Set Boundaries: With professional help, work toward establishing and enforcing digital boundaries within your household.
Understand Legal Protections: Familiarize yourself with local laws regarding cyber harassment and unauthorized access to ensure you know your rights.

Digital abuse in the context of Child to Parent Abuse is a growing issue that needs greater societal awareness and systemic support. By addressing it head-on, we can empower parents and caregivers to take back control and work toward healthier relationships with their children. Organisations like PEGS are leading the way in providing free, accessible support to parental figures facing CPA. Through advocacy, education, and direct intervention, we help families navigate these challenging dynamics while fostering long-term change. Technology should be a tool for connection and empowerment, not a weapon of control. By shining a light on this hidden form of abuse, we can take meaningful steps toward safer and healthier home environments.

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Allen Lane Foundation Supports New Workshop Lead Role to Expand Support for Parents

By PEGS Admin • March 18, 2026

We are thrilled to announce that the Allen Lane Foundation has generously funded a new Workshop Lead role to coordinate and deliver online workshops for parents and carers affected by Child-to-Parent Abuse (CPA) over the next 12 months. Parents and carers affected by CPA are often isolated, unsupported, and unsure where to turn. Our 2024 survey shows that 96% of parents feel isolated, 94% stressed, 92% scared, and 100% report an impact on emotional wellbeing. Over 70% have had to reduce or leave work. With demand for support rising to over 450 referrals per month and a 116% increase in November 2025 there is an urgent need for structured, accessible help. Expanding Online Workshops and 1:1 Support The new Workshop Lead will deliver a weekly online workshop for up to 15 participants, covering practical and emotional wellbeing topics such as stress management, goal-setting, and specialist techniques like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Alongside the weekly sessions, the project will also run: Bi-monthly two-part specialist workshops Monthly wellbeing workshops By taking the lead on workshop delivery, the Workshop Lead will free up our practitioner team to provide more personalised one-to-one support to high-risk parents, reaching an additional estimated 50 parents in need. Over 12 months, we anticipate that over 200 parents will benefit directly from group workshops, gaining tools to manage risk, improve emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and build confidence. The workshops will also create a safe space for peer connection, helping to reduce isolation and foster resilience. Measuring Impact We will track success through attendance figures, participant feedback, and pre- and post-workshop surveys to capture changes in confidence, coping strategies, and wellbeing. Practitioners will also monitor the effect of increased one-to-one support to ensure parents feel safer, supported, and better able to manage their situation. Michelle John, our founding director, says: "Allen Lane Foundation’s continued support enables us to reach more parents and provide the practical guidance and personal support they urgently need. This Workshop Lead role will make a real difference, helping parents feel safer, more confident, and connected, while allowing our practitioners to provide targeted one-to-one support where it’s needed most." We are incredibly grateful to the Allen Lane Foundation for their ongoing belief in our work. This funding allows us to expand our online support, reach more parents, and provide both group and personalised assistance for those affected by CPA.