Technology has become a constant part of daily life, making online safety a growing concern for families. As children spend more time on digital platforms, experts say regular conversations at home can help them recognize risks and make safer choices.
Police are encouraging parents to stay involved, set positive examples, and create an open environment where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences.
The Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy Annual Report 2025 found that schools and support services are placing greater attention on protecting young people from digital risks, particularly harmful sexual content found online.
The report also highlighted the number of safeguarding referrals made during 2025, including 20 cases of child sexual exploitation, 96 cases of sexual abuse, and 72 cases involving harmful sexual behavior. The findings reflect the need for continued awareness and stronger communication between families, educators, and support services.
Importance of Family Conversations
Laura Simpson, Digital Safety Development Officer for Guernsey Police, said public awareness about harmful online material has improved, but ongoing discussions remain essential.
She encouraged parents to involve children in conversations about technology, saying, “Talk to your kids, get them to teach you… because the more conversation you can have the better.”
Simpson also pointed to services such as the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Willow House, explaining that easier reporting systems help people seek support sooner. She said, “With services now like the sexual assault referral centre at Willow House… we are really making massive strides forward in making it easier for people to report when anything happens.”
She added, “I think the more that we can do to make anything around reporting easier the better.”
Setting the Right Example
According to Simpson, mobile phones themselves are not the main concern. Instead, she said the greater issue is “the unmet need that is driving that want and almost desperation to be in touch and to know what’s going on all the time.”
She also warned that online misinformation affects all age groups, not only children. Speaking about artificial intelligence and digital content, Simpson said, “It’s so difficult to know now what is true, what is accurate, and that can affect anybody if we think about AI and image generation.”
She advised parents to speak openly about online risks because “children and young people are getting something from the online world that they’re not getting from us as adults and they’re not getting from their daily relationships.” Simpson also emphasized leading by example, saying, “If you don’t want your kids to have their phones in their bedrooms overnight… don’t have yours in your bedroom.”
Open communication, consistent guidance, and positive role modeling can help children develop healthier digital habits. As online platforms continue to influence everyday life, regular family discussions and accessible support services remain important tools for reducing risks and encouraging safer online behavior for people of all ages.
