Advice for Parents & Trusted Adults
Having a 'Shameless' Conversation
The Shameless Youths campaign encourages adults to have supportive, regular, and judgement-free conversations with young people about their lives, especially when it comes to online relationships and content.
A 'shameless' conversation means creating a safe space where a young person feels comfortable talking about anything without fear of judgement or their technology being taken away.
Tips for Talking to Young People:
- Be Prepared: Know the facts about online safety and emerging technologies before you start. Resources like the NSPCC Net Aware provide up-to-date guidance.
- Be Regular: Don't wait for a problem to happen. Have short, frequent check-ins as part of your normal routine, like when travelling or cooking dinner.
- Be Open and Honest: Share your own experiences (where appropriate) and be honest about the challenges of the online world.
- Listen Actively: The most important part of the conversation is listening without interrupting or reacting negatively. Let them lead the discussion.
- Focus on Consent: Make sure they understand that consent is freely given, informed, specific, and revocable in all relationships, online and offline.
Signs a Young Person Might Need Support
Sometimes a young person will not be ready to talk directly. Look out for changes in their behaviour that might indicate they are being hurt, pressured, or feeling distressed online:
- Changes in mood or becoming more secretive about what they do online.
- Suddenly withdrawn from family, friends, or activities they used to enjoy.
- Unexpected changes in screen time or becoming anxious when they cannot access their phone or computer.
- Sleep problems or an inability to concentrate.
- Unexplained physical injuries or significant changes in diet.
Your Role as a Trusted Adult
Your role is to support and reassure them. If a young person tells you they have been harmed or pressured:
- Listen and Stay Calm: Do not panic or overreact. Thank them for trusting you and assure them that it is not their fault.
- Do Not Delete Anything: If they show you content or messages, do not delete them. Evidence may be needed if they decide to report it.
- Offer Practical Help: Help them block the user and report the content to the platform immediately.
- Seek Professional Advice: You do not have to handle this alone. Use the support services available to understand the correct next steps.
Get Help Now
If you are concerned about a young person or need advice on how to handle a situation, please visit our dedicated support page for professional guidance and contact numbers: