At First Steps ED, we’re excited to launch our new campaign this September: Scroll Safe — a digital awareness initiative designed to help young people and families better understand the impact of online content on mental health and eating disorders.

Why Scroll Safe?

In today’s digital world, young people are spending more time online than ever before. While social media can be a source of connection and creativity, it can also expose users to content that’s harmful, especially for those struggling with body image, low self-esteem, or eating disorders. From extreme dieting trends to glamorised disordered habits, much of what we see online isn’t just unhelpful, it can be dangerous!

That’s why we’re launching Scroll Safe. Our campaign aligns with the introduction of the Online Safety Bill, a major piece of legislation designed to make the internet a safer place for everyone, especially children and young adults.

What the Campaign Covers

Scroll Safe is all about digital literacy, online safety, and mental well-being. We’re giving young people and families the tools to recognise harmful content, protect their mental health, and engage with the online world more mindfully.

Key themes include:

• Recognising and challenging harmful social media posts
• Encouraging open conversations between parents and children
• Supporting safer scrolling habits during the back-to-school season
• Promoting the rights and protections introduced by the Online Safety Bill

Why Now?

With a new academic year beginning, September marks a period of major transition for many young people, from returning to school to leaving home for university for the first time. These changes often come with increased screen time, new social pressures, and greater exposure to online content. It’s a crucial moment to offer support in navigating social media safely and confidently.

The Online Safety Bill presents a real opportunity to protect digital wellbeing, and Scroll Safe helps make that change feel relevant, accessible, and actionable for students of all ages.

What You Can Expect

Social Media Series

Keep an eye on our socials for tips, toolkits, and real-life stories that make online spaces safer. We’ll be posting engaging carousels, reels, and stories filled with mental health advice for students and parents, along with interactive polls to help you spot what’s real, AI-generated, or filtered. These bite-sized posts break down big topics like doomscrolling, fake news, and media manipulation into relatable, easy-to-understand content.

Free Digital Toolkit for Students

We’re launching a downloadable Digital Safety Toolkit filled with practical advice for students on how to:

• Spot red flags in online content
• Curate a safer, more positive feed
• Understand your rights under the Online Safety Bill
• Take steps to protect your mental health online

Testimonies & Tips

Hear from real people as they share honest experiences of navigating online spaces – the good, the bad, and everything in between! We’ll also be sharing quick tips for managing screen time and building healthier digital habits at uni.

Parent Conversations

We know that digital safety starts at home. That’s why we’re providing conversation starters and tools for parents to talk with their children about online content, peer pressure, and emotional well-being. Small chats can make a big difference.

How You Can Get Involved

• Follow us @FirstStepsED on all platforms
• Share our Scroll Safe posts using hashtags like #ScrollSafe #SafeToScroll
• Download the Digital Toolkit and pass it on to someone who might need it
• Donate to help us reach more families and young people with life-changing support

Let’s make this back-to-school season safer, kinder, and more informed. Let’s Scroll Safe.