Top tips for young people

Safer Internet Day – 9th February 2027

Top Tips

Top tips for 7-11s

Understand how technology makes you feel

Technology can be a great way to have fun, learn new things, be creative and keep in touch with friends and family. Think about how you feel when you play games, watch videos or chat with others online. Do different activities make you feel different ways? Noticing how technology affects your mood can help you work out what you enjoy and what works best for you.

Look out for signs that being online isn’t making you feel good

Sometimes, spending time online can leave us feeling sad, angry, worried or tired. You might notice that you’re getting frustrated with a game, comparing yourself to others or finding it hard to concentrate on something else. If you notice these feelings, try taking a break, doing something different or talking to someone you feel safe with.

Remember that you don’t have to keep up with everyone else

It can sometimes feel like you need to reply to messages straight away, join in with every game or see everything your friends are posting. It might feel like you are being pressured into being online even when you don’t want to be. But it’s okay to take your time, miss out on something or put your device away. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing online. Your time is your own, and you can choose what’s right for you.

Find a balance that works for you

Technology can be part of a happy and healthy day, but it’s important to make time for other things too. Getting enough sleep, exercising, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying offline hobbies can all help you feel good. Think about how you spend your time and whether there are small changes you could make to help you enjoy the things you love, both online and offline.

Know where to get help

If something online is making you feel worried, upset or under pressure, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Talk to a safe adult, such as a parent, carer or teacher. They can listen, help you work out what to do and support you if you need to report something. It’s always okay to ask for help, even if you’re not sure how to explain what you’re feeling.

Top tips for 11-14s

Understand how technology makes you feel

Technology can be a great way to relax, have fun, learn new things and stay connected with others. But sometimes, being online can leave us feeling worried, frustrated, left out or under pressure. Think about how you feel before, during and after using different apps, games and devices. Do you find yourself behaving differently after using tech? Noticing these feelings and behaviours can help you understand which online activities have a positive impact on your wellbeing and which might leave you feeling worse.

Recognise when you feel under pressure online

Have you ever felt like you need to reply to a message straight away, keep up with what your friends are doing or spend more time online than you want to? You’re not alone. Notifications, group chats and seeing what other people post can sometimes make us feel under pressure. Remember, you don’t have to be available all the time or join in with everything. It’s okay to take a break, mute notifications or say no to something that doesn’t feel right for you.

Find ways to keep a healthy balance

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re enjoying a game, scrolling through videos or chatting with friends. Think about how technology fits into your day and whether it’s leaving enough time for sleep, physical activity, hobbies and spending time with people offline. You could try setting reminders to take breaks, putting your phone away while you study or switching off notifications when you want to relax. Find what works for you and remember that small changes can make a difference.

Make the most of technology

Technology can help you discover new interests, develop skills, express yourself and connect with people who share your interests. Think about which apps, games and online activities help you feel positive or achieve something you’re proud of. You could use technology to learn a new skill, get creative or do sone virtual volunteering.

It’s also worth thinking about how your own online behaviour affects other people, and how you can help make online spaces positive and welcoming for everyone.

Know when to report and get help

If something online makes you feel worried, upset or under pressure, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Talk to someone you trust, such as a parent, carer or teacher, especially if something is affecting your wellbeing. If you see harmful content or behaviour, you can report it to the platform where it happened. You can also support others by checking in with a friend who seems upset. Remember, asking for help is a positive step, and you deserve to feel safe and supported online.

Top tips for 14-18s

Think critically about your technology habits

Technology can help us learn, be creative, stay connected and discover new interests, but it can also affect our mood, sleep, concentration and relationships. Take time to reflect on how you use technology and how it makes you feel. Do you feel in control of your time online, or do you sometimes find it difficult to switch off? Think about which habits are working for you and whether there are changes you could make to support your wellbeing, both online and offline.

Consider how technology is shaping society

Technology influences how we communicate, access information, from opinions and understand the world around us. Social media can help people share experiences and raise awareness of important issues, but it can also spread misinformation or reinforce harmful stereotypes. When you come across new technologies or online trends, think critically about how they might affect individuals and society. Whose voices are being heard? Who benefits, and who might be left out? Looking at different perspectives can help you make informed decisions about the technology you use.

Think about how your actions affect others

What you do online can have an impact beyond your own screen. Sharing a post, commenting on a video or creating content can influence how other people feel, what they believe and how they behave. Before you post or share something, consider whether it is accurate, respectful and fair. Think about other people’s privacy and consent too. Small choices can make a difference, and we all have a part to play in making online spaces more positive.

Look out for other people’s digital wellbeing

Everyone has a different relationship with technology, and something that one person enjoys might leave someone else feeling worried, excluded or under pressure. Be mindful of how your online behaviour affects others, whether that’s in a group chat, a gaming community or on social media. If a friend seems upset by something that has happened online, check in with them and listen without judging. Supporting someone’s wellbeing doesn’t mean having all the answers. Sometimes, being there for them and helping them find support is enough.

Know when to report and speak up

Reporting harmful content or behaviour can help protect you and others, and it’s something we can all take responsibility for. If you see bullying, harmful content or something that makes you concerned for someone’s safety, consider reporting it on the platform where it appears. You can also speak to someone you feel safe talking to if you’re unsure what to do or if something is affecting your wellbeing.

You don’t have to be the person directly affected to take action, and you don’t have to deal with difficult situations alone.

Safer Internet Day – 9th February 2027