Talking to young people about online safety
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
Open, supportive conversations are one of the most effective ways to promote online safety.
Young people are more likely to seek help if they feel they will be listened to calmly rather than judged or punished.
Helpful approaches include:
- using calm and non-judgemental language
- avoiding scare tactics
- focusing on building skills rather than enforcing rules
- discussing real examples and scenarios
- encouraging questions and curiosity
For example, parents might ask:
“What do you think makes someone trustworthy online?”
“What would you do if someone asked you to keep a secret online?”
These conversations help young people develop critical thinking and confidence. Online guidance emphasises that relationship-based communication is key to effective digital safety education.
