Helping Your Child Develop Appropriate Online Behaviour
- A Marsden
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
The online world is a huge part of young people’s lives — for learning, entertainment, connecting with friends, and exploring their identity. But with that comes risks, pressures, and challenges that didn’t exist a generation ago.
At Compass Education, we see how online behaviour — both positive and negative — affects students’ confidence, relationships, and safety every day. The things young people post, share, or say online don’t just stay on screens — they follow them into school, their friendships, and sometimes even their future opportunities.
As parents, staying involved in your child’s online world is one of the best ways to protect them, guide them, and help them make good choices.
Why Online Behaviour Matters
Inappropriate online behaviour can have serious consequences, even for young people who see it as “just a joke” or “harmless fun.” It can lead to:
✔ Falling out with friends or social isolation
✔ Being bullied or becoming involved in bullying
✔ Sanctions at school for inappropriate messages or images
✔ Police involvement in extreme cases, such as sharing explicit images or making threats
✔ Long-term damage to reputation or future opportunities
But the good news is that with clear guidance and support, young people can learn to behave positively and responsibly online.
What Counts as Inappropriate Behaviour?
✔ Sending unkind, rude, or threatening messages
✔ Sharing or requesting explicit images (sometimes called “sexting”)
✔ Making hurtful jokes or sharing offensive memes
✔ Bullying, trolling, or excluding others in group chats
✔ Sharing personal information with strangers
✔ Spending excessive time online at the expense of sleep, learning, or wellbeing
How You Can Support Positive Online Behaviour
Your child might be tech-savvy, but they still need your guidance to navigate the online world safely.
Here’s how to help:
✔ Stay involved, not intrusive. Show interest in the apps and platforms they use. Ask them to show you how they work — this builds trust.
✔ Talk about respect online, just as you would offline. Explain that being kind, thoughtful, and responsible applies everywhere — including in group chats, on social media, or when gaming.
✔ Set clear boundaries. Agree on screen time limits, rules for phone use at night, and expectations around privacy settings.
✔ Discuss real-life consequences. Help them understand how screenshots, shared messages, or inappropriate posts can have long-lasting impacts.
✔ Encourage reporting. Make sure they know how to block or report harmful content, and remind them it’s always OK to come to you for help.
✔ Lead by example. Be mindful of your own online behaviour — young people notice what adults post and how they interact online.
Where to Find More Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s online behaviour or safety, speak to school or explore these trusted resources:
Together, we can help young people build safe, respectful, and positive online habits — for school, for friendships, and for life.
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