Safe surfing: helping children stay safe online

NEWS 24 June 2025

Accessing our online world is an exciting and integral part of modern life, with young people largely navigating it independently. For parents and guardians, it can be a challenge to make sure that our children can enjoy the wonderful opportunities on offer while staying safe.

Some of the risks of being online

The digital realm allows children to enjoy their world and connect with others in new ways, but it also comes with some inherent risks. Common concerns include exposure to inappropriate content and online gambling, cyberbullying, having contact from unfamiliar people and unknowingly sharing private information. Children can also be particularly vulnerable to negative impacts on their mental health sparked by social comparisons encouraged by social media and idealised portrayals of others online.

“Comparing themselves to curated and idealised portrayals of others online can negatively affect self-esteem, body image and mental health, particularly during the formative years when identity and self-worth are developing,” explains Henry Bell, Director of Counselling Services.

Continuous exposure to specific content can also contribute to the normalisation of certain behaviours and values. As adolescence is a time when young people develop their own values and identities, they can be particularly susceptible to content influences.

There is also an association between increased social media use and diminished mental health outcomes. This relationship may partly be due to the impact on sleep associated with increased social media use. “Students with poorer mental health are also more likely to engage excessively with social media as a way of coping and so the identified association between mental health and social media is likely to be somewhat circular in nature,” explains Henry.

While social media can enhance social interaction and a sense of connection, the overall outcomes can be negative, particularly when use is excessive or lacks balance.

There are some warning signs to look out for that may indicate your child is being bullied or encountering online challenges. While parents should trust their instincts about their child’s wellbeing, observable behaviours might include:

Sudden withdrawal from using a device

Increased secrecy or becoming upset around using devices

Mood changes after going online (for example being more irritable or anxious)

Avoiding school or social activities

Changes in sleep, appetite or academic performance

Evidence of concerning online activity (deleted messages, fake accounts, interactions with unknown people).

How do I support my child to navigate the digital world safely?

In both the physical and online world respect and empathy are solid foundations for healthy interactions.

Parents may find it helpful to identify teachable moments, such as when watching media together, and having conversations around the potential impacts when people are disrespectful online.

As with any healthy relationship, fostering understanding and having ongoing conversations are critical. This includes encouraging critical thinking skills, digital literacy and online safety skills such as ensuring young people know what actions they can take if they encounter a problem online.

Importantly, as adults, we can also model safe and respectful behaviours online, including healthy screen time use.

Some families find it useful to collaboratively create family agreements or guidelines around using technology. Involving all members can foster greater commitment and understanding with these agreements.

Like any matter affecting your child, starting a conversation with them can be a first point of call if you have a concern.

This enables you to know about the apps, games, platforms or websites your children are using so you can have a discussion with your child about appropriate controls and privacy settings.

“The next time an unfamiliar social media app is mentioned, jump onto The eSafety Guide | eSafety Commissioner guide and check it out. Even better, ask the young person in your life for a demo,” suggests Henry.

Parents and carers can also reach out to staff at the School who can assist putting in place appropriate supports.

Tips on having a successful conversation

Henry outlines some steps parents can take to have a successful conversation with their child.

Choose a neutral time and location: Avoid timing your conversation during or just after screen time. Consider the location and try to find somewhere that you can speak privately and are unlikely to be interrupted. Having multiple, short conversation often has more impact than one big conversation.

Start with curiosity. Avoid accusations. For example: “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending more time online lately. How are you finding that?” or “Have you ever felt uncomfortable about something you’ve seen online?”

Use “I” statements. For example: “I think it’s important for us to talk about something that might be a bit awkward, is that ok?” or “I’m concerned about how this might be affecting your sleep and mood.” If children do not want to talk straight away Henry recommends it will be more productive to delay the conversation until a time when they are more receptive, unless you believe there is an immediate safety concern.

Offer support and be collaborative. “Can we talk about some ways to make sure your screen time feels balanced and safe?” or “Can we have a look at this website together?”

Listen. Use active listening and try to validate your child’s feelings as you work towards mutual solutions that work for your whole family.

As parents we support our young people as they grow and develop, but particularly when navigating risk. Supporting them to navigate their online world is just another time to provide the appropriate levels of support.