Talk Relationships – healthy online friendships
A PSHE lesson resource that helps students aged 11 to 12 understand how online friendships differ from offline ones and how to manage these relationships safely and positively.

This lesson from the NSPCC, developed in partnership with the PSHE Association, supports students aged 11 to 12 to explore the differences between online and offline friendships and how to build and maintain healthy relationships in digital spaces. It forms part of the Talk Relationships series, which helps schools and colleges to deliver inclusive, age-appropriate relationships and sex education.
By taking part in this lesson, students will:
- identify how online communication differs from face-to-face friendships
- describe ways to keep online friendships safe, positive and healthy
- understand risks associated with meeting new people online
- know what steps to take if an online relationship feels unsafe or negative.
Using this resource
This resource is designed for:
-
education staff working with students aged 11 to 12.
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