Promoting independence and safety together
Introduction
Why more vulnerable
Benefits for young people
Online risks
Financial scams
Harmful or inappropriate content
Online grooming
Cyberbullying
Online privacy
Impulsivity online
Talking about safety
Online boundaries
Safe social media use
Critical thinking skills
If things go wrong
Independence and safety
Key messages
Online safety resources
The ultimate goal of online safety is not to eliminate risk completely. Instead, it is to help young people develop the skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and independently.
Parents can support this by:
- gradually increasing online responsibility
- discussing challenges together
- encouraging self-protection skills
- preparing young people for adult digital life
Supporting independence while maintaining guidance helps young people build confidence and resilience.
Research on adolescent development by psychologist Laurence Steinberg highlights the importance of guided independence during the transition to adulthood.
