Keeping young people safe online

Through a growing number of apps and platforms, the internet lets us access just about anything we can imagine, and plenty that we’d probably rather not.

The problem is that much of what is online is unsuitable for children and young people, but they may find it by accident, just out of curiosity, through friends or worse someone they don’t know.

According to Dignify, 32% of children have seen pornographic material online – content they should legally be protected from. A third of whom first saw porn at Primary School age, with many finding it by accident.

This post looks at the risks young people may face online and offers practical guidance for parents, carers and educators on how to support them safely and confidently.

What are the risks to young people of being online

The internet is a powerful source of information, creativity and entertainment. It can support learning, connection and self‑expression in ways no previous generation has experienced.

The potential risks to children and young people lie in the internet being a two way street and an easy way for anyone with a degree of technical know-how to connect not only with friends and family, but with material and individuals that can cause harm.

To make matters still more confusing, the growing application of such things as artificial intelligence and chatbots and even deepfake technology, can blur the difference between what’s real and what isn’t, not only for a child or young person but for a reasonably tech-savvy adult.

Talking to young people about online experiences

If a child or young person has had a disturbing experience of inappropriate online content, it’s so important not just to talk with them about what they’ve seen that made them uncomfortable, but to let them know what is and isn’t appropriate for their age.

Conversations should focus not only on what made them uncomfortable, but also on helping them understand what is and isn’t appropriate for their age. Reassure them that they won’t be in trouble for speaking up, and encourage them to share concerns as soon as possible.

It can also be helpful to:

• Ask where they saw the content or who they were interacting with
• Find out whether they were chatting with someone they know or someone unfamiliar
• Explain, in age‑appropriate language, the different types of harmful or inappropriate content that exist online

Open, judgment‑free listening helps build trust and makes future conversations easier.

What is online exploitation?

Exploiting young people or children online can be a matter of someone using digital platforms to deceive or manipulate them into becoming involved in sexual or criminal activities.

Exploitation of this kind can be used in many ways that may include someone threatening to share or distribute intimate images or stream sexual abuse of children, either real or generated by AI.

What is online grooming?

Online grooming is another form of online exploitation where an adult (or sometimes someone the child or young person knows) uses the internet, social media, online games or messaging apps to build a trusting relationship with the intention of exploiting them sexually or abusing them in some way. Groomers often hide their true identity behind fake profiles.

How to stay safe online

There are several practical steps parents, carers and educators can take to reduce risks and support young people:

1. Take time to understand the apps, games or platforms they use and why they enjoy them
2. Talk regularly about what is appropriate and inappropriate online
3. Encourage young people to speak up if they see or experience anything upsetting
4. Learn how privacy settings, reporting tools and blocking features work
5. Help young people understand the importance of protecting personal information

Safety is strongest when technology settings are combined with open communication.

Keeping young people safe

Keeping young people safe online should combine open and honest ongoing conversations between children and young people, and their parents or educators, who should encourage them to report worries, seek to understand the platforms involved and what technical controls are available.

The goal is to foster a safe digital environment that allows children to learn and connect without experiencing harmful, avoidable risks. Taking the time to talk regularly, stay informed and show interest in young people’s online lives can make a real difference in keeping them safe.

Charity organisations like Dignify look to address the sexualisation of children, the easy accessibility of explicit material and the normalisation of pornography through education and research.