Tips to help your child respond to the consultation
The UK Government has decided that it needs to take steps to keep children and young people from unsafe online platforms. They haven’t decided which steps to take, so they're asking children and parents about the changes they want to see. This is your chance to have your say.
1: Talk about how you really feel
Your experiences and views are so important. They can help shape what the Government decides to do about online safety. The aim of this consultation is to make changes that tackle the issues or worries you might have about the online world, without stopping the things you enjoy – so it’s important you say how you feel.
2: You don’t have to be an expert
People can easily feel put off from taking part in a consultation because they think they’re not an expert, but everyone’s views are important. It doesn’t matter how much you use social media or the internet, whether you know about its inner workings – the point is the Government wants to hear what works for you and what doesn’t.
3: Talk about the good and the bad bits
Like most things in life, being online isn’t as simple as ‘good’ and ‘bad’. To help the Government take action that really makes a difference to you and children across the country, it’s important to talk about what benefits you get from online spaces and what might avoid, because you might feel stressed or anxious.
4: You don’t need to have the answers
Helping to make online spaces as positive and enjoyable as possible is a big job, and you don’t have to know what changes you want to see. At the end of this page, we set out what we think might help, but you don’t have put them in your answers or even agree with them. You can suggest your own thoughts about what would make your experiences online better, too, but don’t worry if you can’t think of anything.
5: Look after yourself
It can be tricky talking about your experiences if you’re having or have had an issue online. Talking to someone, like a parent, safe adult or a friend can help. You could also visit the Childline website for advice about your situation, or call Childline anytime by calling 0800 1111. Whether it’s something big or small, they’re there to help.
We know responding can feel overwhelming, the main thing is to share what you think would be useful.
The consultation is confidential. That means that unless your responses suggest you or your family are at risk of harm, your responses will stay private. When you’re ready, you can take the consultation. It closes at 11:59pm on 26 May 2026.
