The internet is an incredible tool – a place where young people can learn, connect with others, express themselves, and discover new ideas. But for teenagers, especially those still developing critical thinking skills, it also carries real risks. From cyberbullying to online predators, the digital world can sometimes feel overwhelming and unsafe.
For parents and foster carers – particularly those supporting children and teenagers in care – helping teens stay safe online isn’t just about setting boundaries. It’s about building trust, opening conversations, and offering guidance that empowers them to make wise decisions for themselves.
Understanding the Online Risks
Teenagers today live much of their lives online. A recent Ofcom report (2024) found that children aged 12 to 15 spend over four hours online each day, across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat. That’s a lot of time to encounter not only opportunity, but risk.
The same report revealed that more than half of UK teens have seen harmful content online, including violence, explicit material, and content related to self-harm. Worryingly, almost a third of those young people didn’t report what they saw, often due to fear or uncertainty.
There’s also the growing threat of online grooming and exploitation. The National Crime Agency reported over 9,000 grooming offences in England and Wales in 2022–23, with social media platforms involved in the vast majority of cases. For some young people, especially those in care who may have experienced trauma or instability, these risks can be even more profound.
For those fostering in Birmingham, it’s important to recognise the specific vulnerabilities some young people may face. Many will have experienced trauma or may be living with ongoing mental health challenges, making them more susceptible to online exploitation or exposure to harmful content can play a vital role in helping young people build resilience by creating a safe, open and supportive environment where they feel able to talk about their online experiences.
Build Trust Through Open Communication
Open, honest communication is the foundation of online safety. It’s important that your teenager feels they can talk to you about their digital life – whether they’re excited about something they’ve discovered or worried about something they’ve experienced. Showing genuine interest, asking questions without judgement, and listening carefully will encourage openness.
Foster carers may find that this kind of trust-building takes time, especially if the young person has experienced inconsistent or fractured relationships. But regular conversations, check-ins, and small moments of connection go a long way in creating a space where they feel seen and heard.
Set Boundaries and Expectations
Just like in the offline world, teenagers need clear expectations when it comes to their online activity. It’s helpful to discuss what respectful behaviour looks like, talk about how to recognise and avoid risky online situations, and agree on what kind of content is appropriate to share.
Developing a shared agreement about online behaviour can be a useful approach. For foster carers, working together with social workers or support staff can help ensure everyone involved understands the expectations and the young person feels supported, not monitored.
Teach Privacy and Security Basics
Helping your teen understand how to protect their privacy online is essential. Many young people aren’t fully aware of how much personal information they share – sometimes unknowingly. A UK Safer Internet Centre survey found that more than a third of teens had shared private details online, such as their school, location or contact information.
Talk to them about creating strong passwords, using privacy settings on social media, and being cautious about what they post or click. For young people who have previously experienced a breach of trust, being reassured that they have control over their online presence can be especially powerful.
Tackle Cyberbullying Early and Openly
Cyberbullying remains a significant issue among teens in the UK. A 2023 report from Internet Matters revealed that one in five young people had experienced cyberbullying, and nearly half knew someone who had been targeted. This might involve exclusion from group chats, mean messages, or the sharing of embarrassing images.
It’s important that your teen knows how to recognise bullying behaviour and feels safe telling a trusted adult if it happens. Foster carers should also maintain close contact with schools and support agencies to ensure any issues are addressed quickly and sensitively, with the young person’s wellbeing at the centre.
Social Media: Supporting Healthy Habits
For most teenagers, social media is where much of life happens. It can be a place of creativity and connection – but also of pressure, comparison, and unrealistic expectations. The Children’s Commissioner for England found that 43 percent of girls aged 13 to 16 said social media made them feel worse about their body image.
Encourage your teen to think critically about what they see and how it makes them feel. Talk about the difference between real life and online appearance, and remind them that it’s okay to take breaks. For foster carers, understanding the specific platforms a young person is using – and the risks associated with them – can make it easier to offer guidance that feels relevant and respectful.
Keep the Conversation Going
Online safety isn’t something that can be addressed in one sitting. It’s an evolving conversation, one that should grow as your teen grows, and as technology continues to change. Whether you’re a parent or a foster carer, your involvement can make a real difference.
By building trust, staying informed, and encouraging open communication, you can help your teenager navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience.