If online communities aren’t something you’ve come across before, this guide can help you and your child as you navigate these spaces together.
‘Online communities’ is a general term that can be used to describe the apps and websites that people use to connect, share, and support one another. These can include social media groups, gaming communities and online forums. For children and young people, these communities can offer friendship, advice, and a sense of belonging. While many online communities can be positive spaces, some can expose children to harmful content or behaviours.
Why do online communities matter?
Online communities can be a lifeline for children and teenagers, especially those who feel isolated or different from their peers. They can offer friendship and support from like-minded peers, opportunities to learn and explore interests, as well as safe spaces to talk about challenges and issues like mental health, disability, or identity.
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What are the risks of online communities?
False information
Misinformation can spread quickly online. Children may come across conspiracy theories, fake news, or harmful advice.
Echo chambers and extremism
Some communities reinforce narrow views, making it harder for children to hear different perspectives. This can lead to confusion or radicalisation.
Harmful behaviour and content
Some spaces promote unhealthy behaviours like extreme dieting or self-harm. Even support groups can sometimes share triggering content.
Challenges
Some online challenges can be fun (such as the famous ALS Ice Bucket Challenge), but some are risky, dangerous or encourage the sharing of personal information. Children may feel pressured to join in.
Privacy and security
Children may share personal details without realising the risks. This can lead to scams, identity theft, or unwanted contact.
Cyberbullying and harassment
Even supportive communities can turn toxic. Children may face bullying, trolling, or exclusion.
Too much time online
Spending too long in online spaces can affect sleep, mood, and offline relationships.
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What makes an online community safe? And what are the red flags of unsafe communities?
Look for these features when helping your child choose online spaces:
Moderation and reporting tools
Communities should have clear rules to help keep things respectful and active moderators that enforce them.
Clear guidelines
House rules can help set expectations and prevent harmful behaviour.
Inclusive and respectful culture
Everyone should feel welcome and diversity should be celebrated.
Spotting the red flags
If an online community doesn’t have any of the above in place, and you can see members being unkind to each other or encouraging unsafe behaviour, then this community might not be a safe and healthy place.
It’s reassuring when I’m part of communities that are really well moderated… I generally feel safest when I’m in control of what I see or what people say to me
Zara, Voice of Online Youth at NSPCC
6 top tips if your child is part of an online community
- Start conversations early – talk about what makes a community safe and how to spot red flags.
- Support their choices – help your child find communities that match their interests and values.
- Encourage openness – let them know they can come to you with anything, even if they think they may have engaged in something that’s notsafe.
- Check for safe features together – help them to recognise safe spaces by checking for both community rules and for moderation.
- Use safety tools together – explore privacy settings, block/report features, and parental controls. Vodafone’s Digital Parenting Pro lists the safety tools available on some of the most popular online communities, such as Discord, Reddit and Telegram.
- Stay involved – ask questions, show interest, and be a safe and trusted adult they can turn to.
Worried About Your Child Online?
- Call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 for advice.
- Your child can talk to a Childline counsellor by phone (0800 1111) or online. Visit www.childline.org.uk for more info.
