Explaining online safety can be hard for any child — but for children who are autistic or have processing or communication differences, it often requires a different approach.
Some children take things literally, miss social cues, or may not recognise when a situation is unsafe. Here are some tips that have helped others:
🧠 1. Use Simple, Concrete Language
Say things like “If someone asks for your name or age online, don’t answer. Show me.” instead of abstract ideas like “protect your identity.”
🎨 2. Use Visuals and Social Stories
Visual supports or comic-style social stories can help children process safety steps. Some free ones are available at do2learn.com.
🔁 3. Repeat, Model, and Practise
Online safety needs to be reinforced over time. Practise how to respond to “stranger” messages, popups, or weird videos together — like role-playing.
🛑 4. Set Clear Rules with Visual Reminders
Example: “Only use the iPad in the living room. If you see something scary, bring it to an adult right away.” Use a printed rule chart or screen sticker.
🔗 Resource Tip
Childnet’s STAR Toolkit is designed for children with SEND and is full of brilliant teaching tools.
💬 Do you use social stories, visual rules, or role play? How do you explain risks in a way that makes sense to your child? Share what's worked (or not) for your family.
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