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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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Parent Information

For information on online relationships, important resources and a quiz to complete on your own or with your child, download these fast facts.

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Interactive Learning

Most commonly completed in your child’s school, Interactive Learning provides children with interactive activities to learn about the topic. Start here if you would like to see what they are learning or would like to go through the activities with your child at home.

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Once Upon Online

This quick story-based activity lets your child make choices that could be risky in real life so they can learn about the consequences in a safe space. Have them complete this journey on their own or complete it together to see where you both wind up. A great route for discussion.

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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.