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Online Relationships

Navigating negativity

In this lesson, children learn how to recognise healthy and unhealthy behaviours and what they can do when interactions online turn negative, whether they're interacting with friends or strangers.

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Interactive Learning

Do this part when a teacher, parent or carer asks you to. You’ll learn about the topic by doing short quizzes and talking about the activities.

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Once Upon Online

Help the characters make their way through this story to a positive ending. Choose a helper who will give you advice if you get stuck. Do this part at home or in the classroom when your teacher says.

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Parent tips

  • Think: Talk about how online interactions can affect feelings


    - Explain that unhealthy online behaviours can include mean comments, pressure to respond quickly or requests that make them uncomfortable.

    - Remind them that tone and intentions can sometimes be misunderstood online.

  • Check: Help children recognise unhealthy behaviour online


    - Explain that unhealthy online behaviours can include mean comments, pressure to respond quickly or requests that make them uncomfortable.

    - Remind them that tone and intentions can sometimes be misunderstood online.

  • Choose: Encourage children to make safe choices in difficult situations


    - Talk about options children have when conversations become negative, such as leaving a chat or not responding.

    - Reassure them that they do not have to stay in conversations that make them feel uncomfortable.

  • Act: Support children in getting help when needed


    - Let children know they can always come to you if something online makes them feel worried or upset.

    - Help them take practical steps such as blocking, reporting or saving messages if they need support resolving the situation.

    - As children spend more time communicating online, learning how to recognise unhealthy interactions helps them build safer and more positive digital relationships.