Healthy Friendships Online: Knowing the Difference
An assembly exploring what healthy and unhealthy online friendships look like and how to recognise the difference.
Overview
Online friendships are a central part of children's social lives, but not all online friendships are healthy. This assembly helps students identify the characteristics of supportive, respectful friendships and spot the warning signs of controlling, manipulative, or harmful ones — whether with peers or with adults posing as young people.
Talking Points
A good friend — online or offline — makes you feel happy, respected, and safe. They do not pressure you, make you keep secrets, or make you feel bad about yourself.
If someone online gets angry when you do not reply immediately, tries to control who else you talk to, or makes you feel guilty, that is not a healthy friendship.
Real friends respect your boundaries. If someone keeps pushing you to share photos, personal information, or do things you are uncomfortable with, that is a warning sign.
It is okay to end an online friendship that does not feel right. You do not owe anyone your time, attention, or personal information.
If an online friendship ever makes you feel scared, confused, or uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult. You are not betraying anyone by keeping yourself safe.
Key Message
A real friend makes you feel safe and respected. If an online friendship feels wrong, trust your instincts and talk to someone you trust.
Follow-Up Activity
In small groups, students create two posters: one showing the characteristics of a healthy online friendship and one showing the warning signs of an unhealthy one. Display them in the classroom.
This content is designed to support professionals in their safeguarding role. It does not replace your organisation's safeguarding policies or training requirements.
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-29