SECTION 7
Tackling challenging topics
To ensure that children and young people are informed and prepared for risks they may experience, conversations about difficult topics are important.
As children get older, wanting more freedom and privacy online is natural. There will come a time when they’re using the internet self-sufficiently daily, and this independence is a natural part of their development. Often, adults can plan for difficult conversations, but occasionally they may be needed earlier than anticipated, for example if a child is inadvertently exposed to online harm they don’t understand.
Discussing challenging topics might seem like a daunting prospect, but it’s important to remember that young people need support and guidance in all areas of life – especially when it comes to sensitive issues.
If you need to talk about something difficult with a child or young person, try to:
- Plan what you want to say in advance and seek support and information if needed so that you feel prepared.
- Choose a moment when there are no other distractions and you are not rushed for time, in an environment that feels safe to the child.
- Consider the best approach for the child. You might want to directly explain the concerns that led to the conversation or feel that asking some broader and more open-ended questions is more suitable in the first instance.
- Acknowledge that they might not feel ready to speak straight away, or there may be someone else that they feel more comfortable talking to. If possible, find a way to facilitate the next conversations.
- In some instances, the child might prefer to communicate differently, e.g., write their answers for you rather than verbalising them.
- Give the child time to process what you are saying and share their thoughts, without interruption or blame. If you are a professional, try to minimise notetaking and maximise active listening (maintain eye-contact if culturally appropriate, nod, etc.) Listen carefully to any confusion or concerns.
- Reassure them you are always there to help and even if you don’t know the answers, you can find them out together.
- Get support quickly if they need it. This might be from family, friends, the school, or other agencies.
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