Supporting young people online

Young men share their online experiences

Like you, we want to understand how the online world is shaping and moulding young people and their experiences.  

That’s why we commissioned in-depth interviews and focus groups with over 100 young men aged 16 to 21 to understand the online world from their perspective. 

Unsurprisingly, the picture young men painted was varied and complex. As one of the first generations growing up entirely in the digital age, their online experiences are marked by tensions and possibilities.  

These are some of the things we discovered about the young men involved in this study:  

• They shape and express their identities online – They use the internet to express themselves but can feel pressure and anxiety when representing themselves online. Engaging with influencers is a way that some of the men shape their identities online. However, there is a lack of diverse online role models for them to look to for inspiration and guidance. 
• They explore their sexuality online – Some are cautious about sharing intimate images and are critical of online pornography.  
• They access and navigate social connections online – Being online allows them to connect with friends and community. But these spaces can also be potentially harmful. In particular, some of the young men involved in gaming communities found them to be places of important connection as well as harm.  

So, as a parent, carer or educator – what does this mean for you?  

Keep talking, listening, and asking questions about their online experiences. The path from childhood to early adulthood has always been a bumpy ride and the online world is making that transition both easier – and more complicated – for boys and young men. 

Below, we have outlined some great resources you can share with boys and young men to navigate some of these issues and the online world more safely. 

Read the report 

Resources to support young people online

Share these resources with young people or use them to help start important conversations: 

• Online gaming – Guidance on enjoying games safely and dealing with potential harms. 
• Being out, transgender and gender diverse – Support with exploring gender identity online. 
• Trolling – How to handle and protect yourself from online harassment. 
• Someone is threatening to share my nudes – What to do if someone threatens to share a nude image or video of you.