As a parent or carer, you may worry about whether your teenager is safe online. It can help to understand what the risks are, and how to support your child.
Being informed may make it easier to talk to your child, too.
Online spaces can be a positive thing. But they can also come with risks. Understanding where the dangers might be can help you educate your child.
The risks can be broken into three areas:
Before you speak to your child, think about your attitude to your child spending time online. Do you complain about them spending time online, or dismiss social media? If your child thinks you have a negative attitude, conversations may feel more confrontational.
Take some time to think about how you spend time online and why the space could be important to your child too. Consider both the positives and negatives.
Try starting an honest conversation with them. It might not feel like an easy topic. Your child may be secretive or defensive when you approach the subject. Talk about the things you both enjoy and share your favourite sites with each other. Let them know that they can come to you with any worries, and you will help them work out what to do.
We have some advice on talking to your child about difficult topics.
Support your child to learn how they can look after themselves. Try to create a positive environment.
Instead of just making rules, talk with your teenager about online safety. Make sure they feel involved in decisions and know that you’re there to chat if they’re worried.
Ask some questions to understand if your child might need extra support.
You and your child can get more support from the following places: