01/15/2026
Most parents and carers think they know what apps their children are using. Many do not.
Children and young people spend a huge part of their lives online. Messaging, gaming, live streaming, and social media are part of everyday life. Some of the most popular apps allow contact with strangers, disappearing messages, anonymous accounts, live video, and unmoderated chats. These features can make children vulnerable to grooming, sexual exploitation, bullying, pressure around appearance, and exposure to adult content.
This is not about banning phones or blaming parents. It is about understanding how these apps work and why certain features increase risk. Many children do not realise when a situation becomes unsafe. Many adults do not realise how quickly conversations can move off visible platforms and out of sight.
Online safety starts with awareness and honest conversations. When adults understand the digital spaces children are in, they are better placed to protect them, set boundaries, and respond early when something does not feel right.
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