Teens’ online dating and relationships
Help teens stay safe as they interact with others online.
Quick tips
5 Tips for parents helping kids navigate online dating
Helping your child navigate online dating can feel like uncharted territory, but with the right guidance and open conversations, you can empower them to build safe and healthy relationships.
Start chatting about relationships early so they know they can trust you. Talk about what makes a healthy relationship, like respect and boundaries, and let them know they can come to you with any worries or questions.
Help your child understand why they shouldn’t share things like their full name, address, or school online. Encourage using nicknames or usernames instead of their real name when chatting on apps.
Talk about what to watch out for, like people asking for photos, putting on pressure, or making them feel uncomfortable. Practise how they can respond if something doesn’t feel right..
If they’re old enough for online dating, agree on which platforms are safe and how to use them responsibly. Encourage them to build friendships and stick to group settings first.
If they plan to meet someone they’ve met online, stress the importance of telling you or another trusted adult, meeting in public places, and never going alone. Reinforce that it’s okay to cancel or leave if they feel unsafe.
These tips make it easier for your child to explore relationships safely, with you as a supportive guide.
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Supporting a child with additional challenges?
Our research shows that children with additional needs, disabilities, or certain lifestyles are more likely to experience online risks. Visit our hubs to get tailored online gaming advice to support young people.
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