In March, the UK Government announced it would not be introducing a blanket ban on social media for under‑16s. Instead, the focus has moved to a consultation on how children can have ‘safer, healthier and more enriching relationships' with the online world.’ The consultation will look at whether social media platforms should come with a minimum age requirement and whether platforms should switch off addictive features such as autoplay.
While that consultation takes place, our teens are still online, and social media isn’t going away. In fact, for most teenagers, social media plays a major role in how they connect, learn, relax and express themselves. For now, the responsibility to protect our children rests with parents or those working with young people. It is up to us to help them set boundaries and navigate the online world safely.
As parents, teachers or youth workiers it can feel daunting, but it is possible. This blog outlines what we need to know, and offers simple, practical steps to help.
Why online safety matters
While social media can be positive, there are real risks that children and young people face online. Being aware of these helps us to spot warning signs early and talk about them openly with our children.
Some of the key risks include:
- Cyberbullying
Online bullying can be perpetrated by strangers or people known to the victim, and it can involve individuals or groups of people. It can be harder to spot than in-person bullying and can feel constant and inescapable. If your teen becomes withdrawn, anxious, irritable, or suddenly reluctant to use their phone, it may be a sign that something isn’t right. - Online grooming
People can present themselves as anyone online. Groomers often build trust slowly before asking for personal information, images, or to meet offline. Many young people admit to adding people they don’t actually know. - Sexting and pressure to share images
Teenagers may be pressured to send intimate images – sometimes by strangers, sometimes by peers. Once shared, images can be copied, shared or used to control or shame them. - Inappropriate or harmful content
This includes pornography, violent material, extreme pranks, content promoting self‑harm, eating disorders or hatred. Exposure can shape how young people see relationships, bodies and themselves. - Addiction and overuse
Endless scrolling, gaming and notifications can affect sleep, mental health, concentration and decision‑making. - Radicalisation and harmful ideologies
Extremist, racist or hateful content spreads easily online and should always be taken seriously.
It’s good to talk
One of the biggest ways of overcoming risk on social media is to keep the topic an open conversation at home, school or in children's groups. And start early, even before they have their own phones or access to apps.
These chats don’t need to be intense or one‑off “big talks”. In fact, they work best when they’re regular, relaxed and honest.
- Pick calm moments, don’t address issues when things are heated or if you are reacting in panic.
- Be curious, not confrontational. Casually ask about what they’re enjoying online, what content they see, and who they are talking to.
- Admit when you don’t understand an app and ask them to explain it.
- Listen carefully and create a culture at home where they can share what worries them.
As Christians, we can ground these conversations in love and grace. Safeguarding is about protecting what God values – such as young people made in his image. Remind children of their value and let them know they won’t be in trouble for being honest with you.
What else can we do?
These everyday steps will help to keep your children safe online:
1. Stay involved from the start
It helps if parents are part of setting up social media accounts, devices and games. This includes chat functions in games and apps. Apps like Snapchat or Instagram have parental control features that you can set up from the beginning. Be mindful that settings can change, so revisit them regularly.
2. Use privacy settings wisely
Go through settings together, and agree on:
- Who can message them
- Who sees their posts
- Location sharing
- Photo tagging
3. Encourage caution with contacts
Remind them not to accept friend requests from people they don’t know offline. Online identities can be fake.
4. Protect personal information
Help them understand why details like school name, address, phone number and age shouldn’t be shared – even if someone asks.
5. Explain the ‘permanent’ nature of posts
What’s shared online can be saved or shared by others, even if deleted later.
6. Set healthy boundaries
Agree limits around screen time, gaming and phone use – especially at night. Help them to see that the boundaries are about supporting wellbeing, not punishment. For example, no phones at mealtimes or in bedrooms.
7. Agree on appropriate access
For younger teens, it’s reasonable to agree that parents can occasionally look at activity, explain why clearly and respectfully.
8. Make reporting normal
Ensure they know how to block and report users or content – and that telling you is always the right thing to do.
A note about parental controls
Parental controls are not an 100% failsafe, and they can’t replace honest conversations at home, but they can be helpful:
- Home broadband – many providers allow filters, time limits and content controls.
- Devices – phones, tablets and computers have built‑in safety settings.
- Apps – many allow PINs, age restrictions and spending limits.
For clear guidance, visit www.internetmatters.org.
What to do if something goes wrong
If a teen shares a concern:
- Stay calm and thank them for telling you.
- Don’t blame or overreact.
- Keep evidence – don’t delete messages or images.
- Block and report the user or content.
You can also:
- Report concerns to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) at www.ceop.police.uk
- Speak to your church or organisation’s safeguarding lead
- Access help from Thirtyone:eight
If a child is in immediate danger, always call 999.
You're not alone
The government’s decision not to ban social media for under‑16s means, for now, that parents, teachers and youth workers remain on the front line of online safety.
But that’s not a burden we carry alone. With the help of our church communities, safeguarding leads, by having open conversations, clear boundaries, and support when things go wrong, we can help our teenagers grow in confidence, wisdom and resilience online.