Coffee morning catch-up - December 19th
Date: 19 December
Topic: Online safety and managing digital influence
Thank you to everyone who joined our December virtual coffee morning. For parents and carers who were unable to attend, below is a full overview of the discussion, key themes shared, and practical strategies explored during the session.
Welcome and introduction
We began by briefly reflecting on last month’s session and introducing December’s focus: helping children navigate their online lives safely, confidently and with balance.
We acknowledged how overwhelming the digital world can feel for both young people and adults, and shared a key message from the outset:
Children don’t just “go online” anymore, they live a large part of their lives there. Our role is to guide them, not control them.
Understanding online life and digital influence
We explored what online life looks like for children and young people today, including social media, gaming and online communities. Parents shared which platforms and games are most popular in their homes, alongside the positives they see, such as connection, creativity and enjoyment.
A guiding quote shaped this discussion:
Kids don’t need a perfect digital world, they need guidance to navigate the real one.
Parents reflected on the challenges of keeping up with fast-changing trends and the importance of staying curious and informed rather than reactive.
Safety first: helping children stay protected
We discussed online safety as an ongoing conversation rather than a one-off rule-setting exercise. A shared message was:
Online safety is less about restriction and more about education.
Key ideas included:
- Using privacy settings, parental controls and reporting tools
- Keeping devices in shared spaces where possible
- Encouraging children to speak to a trusted adult if something feels wrong
- Understanding the basics of the apps and games children use
Parents also talked about recognising signs that a child may have encountered upsetting or inappropriate content.
Gaming, social media and screen-time balance
The group explored how to set boundaries without increasing conflict or anxiety. A helpful reminder shared was:
Balance doesn’t mean no screen time; it means intentional screen time.
Practical strategies discussed included:
- Device-free bedtimes
- Agreed family “online hours”
- Building short breaks into gaming sessions
- Modelling healthy digital habits as adults
Parents highlighted the value of consistency and collaboration when setting limits.
Starting conversations that actually work
We focused on how to talk with children about their online world in ways that feel safe and open.
Talk with them about their online world, not at them.
Helpful approaches shared:
- Asking curious, non-judgemental questions
- Showing genuine interest in online hobbies
- Keeping conversations regular, not only when problems arise
Focusing on guidance rather than punishment
Building digital responsibility and confidence
Parents discussed how to support children in becoming thoughtful and responsible digital citizens. Topics included:
- Thinking critically about what they see online
- Understanding real vs edited content
- Managing peer pressure, influencers and trends
Reinforcing that it’s okay to log off when things feel overwhelming
Signs to look out for
We talked about indicators of digital overwhelm, such as:
- Sudden secrecy around devices
- Mood changes after gaming or social media
- Sleep disruption
- Increased anxiety or irritability
- Avoidance of offline activities
We also discussed when additional support may be needed and how to seek help if online issues begin to impact wellbeing.
What parents and carers can do
Key takeaways from the session included:
- Create open, calm communication
- Learn alongside your child
- Set boundaries with children, not for them
- Reassure children that mistakes online can be talked about safely
- Stay calm, curious and connected
We closed with a message that resonated strongly with parents:
Children feel safest online when they know they can always come to you – no blame, no fear, just support.
Resources shared during the session
During the coffee morning, we highlighted several trusted resources to support parents and carers with online safety, digital wellbeing and managing children’s online lives:
- Internet Matters – practical advice on online safety, parental controls and age-appropriate guidance
https://www.internetmatters.org - NSPCC NetAware – clear information about social media platforms, apps and games children use
https://www.net-aware.org.uk - ThinkUKnow – guidance from the National Crime Agency on staying safe online
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk - Childnet – resources to help families talk about online safety and digital responsibility
https://www.childnet.com
A reminder shared during the session:
Online safety works best when it is part of everyday conversation, not just something we talk about when problems arise.
Next coffee morning
Topic: Parenting Through Cost-of-Living Pressures
Date: January 30th @ 10:00
We look forward to welcoming parents and carers to our next session and continuing these supportive conversations.
Thank you for reading
Written by Natalie Hollins,
Parent Support Associate
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