Taking the mic on online safety

Online safety is often discussed without fully hearing from the young people it affects most. Yet young people have clear views on what helps them stay safe online and what makes it harder to ask for support. Their experiences offer valuable insight into how families can build trust and understanding in digital spaces.

As part of the Be Cyber Safe NI project, young people across Northern Ireland led a new podcast series that speaks directly to parents and carers. This blog introduces the series and the key messages young people want adults to hear.

What does online safety look like through the eyes of young people? 

What do young people want parents and carers to think about or do differently? 

As part of the Be Cyber Safe NI project, young people across Northern Ireland were supported not only to share their experiences of growing up online, but to amplify their voices in ways that reach beyond workshops and events.

In this blog, Dr Ernest Purvis – Head of Policy at Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) – writes about a new podcast series led by young people, who share their key messages on online safety for parents and carers.

Why a podcast? 

Young people told us that online safety conversations often happen too late – or only after something has gone wrong. They also highlighted how difficult it can be to talk to adults about online harm, especially when the fear of blame, panic, or restrictions gets in the way. 

The Be Cyber Safe NI podcast series was designed to help change that. 

By speaking directly to parents and carers, young people were able to share what they really need from the adults around them: calm support, trust, understanding, and open conversations. 

What’s in the series? 

Across three episodes, young people explore the realities of growing up online: 

• Episode 1: It’s Hard to Talk – Trust, Fear and Finding Your Voice
  Young people discuss why it can feel difficult to tell adults when something goes wrong online, and what makes it easier to reach out for help. 

• Episode 2: Boundaries and Balance – Privacy, Protection and Parental Controls
  This episode looks at the balance between safety and independence, and how parents and young people can build trust while navigating online spaces together. 

• Episode 3: Growing Up Digital – Learning, Balance and Building Understanding
  Young people reflect on the ‘generation gap’ and why online safety works best when adults stay curious, informed, and willing to learn alongside them. 

Youth voice at the centre 

The Youth Takeover series reflects the wider aims of Be Cyber Safe NI: ensuring that young people are not just consulted, but genuinely heard, with their voices shaping real conversations about safety online. 

The opportunity to host these conversations on the Parentline NI podcast was a great platform to reach parents and carers directly. 

The message from young people is clear: online safety isn’t only about rules or restrictions – it’s about relationships, support, and making sure young people know that help is available. 

We hope this series encourages more families to start conversations early, listen without judgement, and work together to build safer online spaces for everyone.