CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) are excited to announce the recent launch of #AskTheAwkward, their brand new resource for parents and carers of secondary-aged children.

#AskTheAwkward aims to help parents and carers have regular conversations with their children about online relationships and more. The resource includes three short films created in a social experiment style, with real parents and their children to capture their reactions to a range of questions.

Being online is an important part of how young people ‘do’ relationships. Young people are using online spaces for their social and romantic lives. They told us that they would like their parents and carers to talk with them more about this. We know that these topics aren’t always easy to talk about, so #AskTheAwkward has been created to help you to explore online relationships with your secondary aged children, making these conversations part of everyday life.

A parent and carers introduction to Asking The Awkward

Unsure where to start? Our introduction to Asking The Awkward helps you to prepare for regular conversations with your child about online relationships and related topics. It also offers advice on how to keep conversations positive and what to do if your child tells you something that worries you.

Download a Parent & Carers introduction to asking the awkward here

#AskTheAwkward help sheets

The #AskTheAwkward films explore lots of topics. To help you get talking, we’ve picked out the key topics from each film and created help sheets with what you need to know, suggested conversation starters and links to further information.

Download the #AskTheAwkward help sheets here

#AskTheAwkward film 1 – Making connections – Making Connections Making Connections

#AskTheAwkward Film 2 – Building Trust – Building Trust – Building Trust

#AskThe Awkward Film 3 – Facing Challenges – Facing Challenges Facing Challenges