Understanding the risks
The 4 C's of Online Risk
A new classification of online risk – the 4Cs
The new CO:RE 4Cs classification recognises that online risks arise when a child:
engages with and/or is exposed to potentially harmful CONTENT;
experiences and/or is targeted by potentially harmful CONTACT;
witnesses, participates in and/or is a victim of potentially harmful CONDUCT;
is party to and/or exploited by a potentially harmful CONTRACT.
The 4Cs classification helps to identify aggressive, sexual, and value risks that children may face online. It's important to consider the risks to children's values, privacy, health, and fair treatment. These risks can be related to content, contact, conduct, or contract risks. It's essential to note that online risks to children are complex and can overlap. The classification is a tool to help understand and investigate risks, but it doesn't mean that the risks are straightforward or separate from one another.