Who Is Talking to Our Kids? Understanding Online Risks to Young People

Young people are not simply encountering harmful content online, they are increasingly finding communities that offer belonging, identity, purpose, status, and connection. While many online communities provide positive support and relationships, others can gradually normalize hate, violence, conspiracy theories, misogyny, self-harm, and other harmful behaviors. Led by Dr Flores, together we will explore how young people can be drawn into harmful online communities, the tactics used to build trust and influence, warning signs adults should understand, and practical ways parents, educators, and communities can foster resilience, connection, and safer pathways to belonging.