From Control to Curiosity: 5 Small Actions for Talking About Digital Safety With Youth

A Caregiver Conversation Guide (Informed by Youth Voice) Talking about digital safety doesn’t require a big “sit-down talk.” In fact, youth say the most effective conversations are often small, ongoing, and rooted in trust. This guide offers five simple actions caregivers can use to shift from monitoring and control toward curiosity, respect, and connection —…

A Caregiver Conversation Guide (Informed by Youth Voice)

Talking about digital safety doesn’t require a big “sit-down talk.” In fact, youth say the most effective conversations are often small, ongoing, and rooted in trust.

This guide offers five simple actions caregivers can use to shift from monitoring and control toward curiosity, respect, and connection — the things young people say make them feel safest speaking up about their online lives.

Action 1

Why it matters:
Youth say they shut down when they feel judged or immediately “fixed.”

Small Action:

Pause before responding. Ask one open-ended question and listen without interrupting.

Action 2

Why it matters:
Feeling controlled makes youth share less, not more.

Small Action:

Give youth choice in how the conversation goes, and when it continues.

Action 3

Why it matters:
Youth say they’re more honest when adults acknowledge that online life isn’t always perfect.

Small Action:

Name that confusion, mistakes, and emotions are part of growing up online.

Action 4

Why it matters:
Youth want to feel understood, not compared or minimized.

Small Action:

Share briefly, then turn it back to them.

Action 5

Why it matters:
Youth want to feel understood. not compared or minimized.

Small Action:

Collaborate on boundaries and support, don’t impose them.

What youth say matters most is knowing:

they won’t be judged,
they won’t immediately lose autonomy,
and they won’t be left to figure things out alone.

When conversations about digital safety are rooted in curiosity instead of control, young people are more likely to speak up — not just once, but again and again.

Small moments of listening, noticing, and asking open questions add up. Over time, they build the trust that makes online safety possible.

Online safety starts with trust.
Together, for a better internet. 💙