How do we help teenagers navigate life online?
With smart phones in our pockets, gadgets on our wrists, our cars, front doorbells, and even in our living rooms, our connection to the digital world is always on. From homework, gaming, to listening to music and ordering dinner, our daily routines are increasingly online.
In this constantly connected world, the challenge is not whether teenagers should have access to online spaces but how they can navigate them safely, responsibly, and with confidence.
Communication
It might not seem like an obvious first step, but strong communication skills are essential for teenagers as they navigate the online world. These skills help young people to:
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have more meaningful interactions and engage in deeper conversations
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build empathy. When teenagers learn to express themselves clearly and listen actively, it fosters understanding and strengthens relationships.
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navigate social situations. Clear communication helps teens share their thoughts, discuss what they see online, and even negotiate conflicts in digital spaces.
Talking with teenagers about the content they encounter online will encourage them to articulate their views, question what they see, and express their concerns without fear of judgment.
Staying Safe Online
The digital world presents both incredible opportunities and significant challenges. On one hand, it is a huge resource for learning, creative expression, and creating connections across the globe. On the other hand, it exposes young people to potential harms such as misinformation, online harassment, cyberbullying, and privacy breaches.
A recent survey by Ofcom (Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report, 19 April 2024) highlighted that children between 8-17 benefitted significantly from regular lessons on online safety.
Discussing topics such as protecting personal information, identifying suspicious messages, and responding to unsolicited contact helps teens understand the long-term impact of their online actions and plays a crucial role in keeping them safe.
It's equally important to address cyberbullying by helping teens recognise the signs and equipping them with strategies to respond, such as blocking abusive users or reporting inappropriate behaviour.
These conversations not only help prevent harm but also foster resilience and empower young people to navigate the digital world with confidence.
Digital Literacy
Digital literacy goes beyond technical expertise; it’s about knowing how to think critically about online content. Recent findings indicate that 16- and 17-year-olds are less sure of their ability to distinguish fact from fiction online than they were the previous year (75% in 2024 vs. 82% in 2022, according to Ofcom).
Critical thinking skills enable teens to be able to critically evaluate content, scrutinise online sources, ask who is providing the information, fact check details, and identify potential biases.
Having clear limits on their online engagement, whether it is time spent on social media, or the type of content consumed, sets healthy boundaries, and allows young people to know when to stop.
By cultivating their critical thinking and evaluation skills, teenagers become better equipped to navigate the complex digital landscape.
Mental Health
In our hyper-digital age, ensuring that teenagers have a good balance between online engagement and real-life activities is key to supporting their mental health.
Over two in five 16-17-year-olds believe their screen time is too high, as noted in the Ofcom report with 11-14 year olds spending an estimated 7-9 hours per day on screen-based devices *.
We can encourage teens to be mindful of their screentime and learn when to take a break, as well as inspiring them to invest time in activities that connect them with the physical world, such as sports, reading, or face-to-face gatherings.
Adults can also play a role here, leading by example showing what healthy habits look like for teenagers to follow.
Final Thoughts
The digital world is an essential part of modern life, and learning to navigate it is one of the most valuable skills teenagers can develop. By empowering teenagers to become responsible digital citizens - with strong communication skills, online safety awareness, digital literacy, and a balanced approach to screen time - we can help them navigate online spaces equipped with the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence to make informed decisions and look after their wellbeing.
