Managing online pressure and image consent
Young people today grow up in a world where being online is part of everyday life, socially, academically, and culturally. Alongside the many benefits this brings, it can also create pressure around visibility, comparison, and consent, particularly in relation to images and online presence.
At Tute Education, we support families not just with online learning, but with the wider digital wellbeing of young people. This guide focuses on managing online pressure and understanding image consent in everyday life, and how parents and carers can help children navigate these challenges safely and confidently.
Understanding online pressure in young people
Online pressure doesn’t only come from lessons or education platforms. Many young people experience pressure through:
- Social media and group chats
- Being photographed or filmed by others
- Feeling the need to be constantly available or responsive
- Comparing themselves to peers online
- Worrying about how they look, sound, or come across
For some children, particularly those with anxiety, neurodivergence, or previous negative experiences, this pressure can feel intense and overwhelming, even when adults don’t immediately see it.
How online pressure can show itself
Online pressure can appear as:
- Avoidance or reluctance to log on
- Increased anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal
- Low confidence or self-critical language
- Fatigue, headaches, or emotional overwhelm
These responses are not a lack of effort or motivation; they are often signs that a young person is feeling overloaded.
What is image consent and why it matters
Image consent means a young person understands and agrees to how and when their image, voice, or personal information is shared online.
This might include:
- Photos or videos taken by friends
- Images shared on social media
- Screenshots, recordings, or live video
- Profile pictures or avatars
Consent should be informed, freely given, and reversible. Just because a child has agreed once does not mean they are comfortable forever.
Helping young people understand image consent supports their:
- Sense of control and autonomy
- Emotional safety
- Confidence in setting boundaries
- Ability to say no without guilt
How parents and carers can support at home
Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children manage online pressure and understand consent.
Start open conversations
- Talk regularly about online experiences, not just when there’s a problem
- Ask open questions such as, “How does being online feel for you?”
- Listen without rushing to fix
Normalise boundaries
- Reinforce that it’s okay not to want photos or videos taken
- Help your child practise saying no confidently
- Remind them that consent can change
Reduce pressure, not expectations
- Focus on wellbeing rather than constant availability or performance
- Encourage breaks from screens without framing them as punishment
- Support routines that balance online and offline time
Watch for signs of overload
- Take anxiety or avoidance seriously
- Acknowledge that pressure can build quietly
- Seek support early if things feel too much
Building confidence and digital resilience
Learning to navigate online spaces safely takes time. Confidence grows when young people feel:
- Trusted to express their needs
- Supported rather than monitored
- Allowed to go at their own pace
Helping children understand that they have a choice about their online presence empowers them to make healthier decisions now and in the future.
Working together
Supporting young people online works best when families, schools, and providers work together. At Tute Education, we believe that emotional safety, autonomy, and respect are central to successful learning and wellbeing.
If you have concerns about online pressure, image consent, or your child’s digital wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Wellbeing always comes first.
Thank you for reading
Written by Natalie Hollins,
Parent Support Associate
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