Growing-up online: a parents’ guide
An introduction from our headteacher
If there’s one thing we’ve learned since publishing our first Social Media Guide in 2024, it’s that the online world doesn’t stand still.
Social media remains a big part of young people’s lives, but today their online world stretches much further. Messaging apps, group chats, online gaming and artificial intelligence are increasingly part of how they learn, socialise, create and relax. Used well, technology can help young people stay connected, discover new interests and develop new skills. But it also brings challenges, from inappropriate content and misinformation to cyberbullying, scams, privacy and screen time.
Keeping up with those changes isn’t easy. And parents and carers shouldn’t feel they need to become experts in every new app, game or online trend.
That’s why we’ve updated our parents’ guide for 2026.
We surveyed just under 200 parents and carers across all year groups to understand what has changed, what concerns them most and where they would value support. Exposure to inappropriate content is now one of parents and carers’ biggest worries, while many told us they want help keeping up with emerging risks, trends and platforms.
One finding was particularly encouraging: 93% of parents said they felt comfortable talking to their child about social media.
When children know they can talk openly about something that has happened online without fear of immediate judgement or punishment, they’re far more likely to ask for help when they need it.
Our updated guide is designed to build on that confidence.
Alongside social media, we look at messaging apps, gaming and AI, as well as screen habits and sleep., online grooming, cyberbullying, scams, privacy and inappropriate content. Most importantly, we’ve included practical advice to help you ask questions, set healthy boundaries and keep conversations open at home.
Technology will continue to change. The most important advice rarely does.
You don’t need to know everything about your child’s online world. Stay interested, ask questions and make sure they know they can always come to you when something doesn’t feel right.
Mrs Sarah Parry
Headteacher
