Growing up online isn’t simple, that's why I'm backing On-Mute May
Erin, age 18, has been impacted by online harm in the past and explains why she is joining Children First in On-Mute May
"Like most young people, I’ve grown up online. I got my first phone when I was 12 and suddenly had access to everything – good and bad. Back then, the internet felt like a strange place. Now, with AI and endless content, it’s even more intense.
"When you’re 12, 13 or 14, it’s almost impossible to tell what’s real and what isn’t. You see content about how you should look, how you should live, what you should buy and who you should be. You’ve got influencers pushing things like weight loss, skincare meant for adults, and ads encouraging you to change yourself before you’ve even worked out who you are.
"It affects your confidence and your mental health without you even realising it.
"And the scariest part? You can never be fully sure who you’re talking to. Adults have so much access to kids online.
"There are people who deliberately enter spaces meant for young children – gaming platforms, chats, livestreams – and it’s easy for them to hide who they are. Roblox is a good example. They’ve started bringing in age checks and limiting communication, which is a step in the right direction, but it still doesn’t stop everything.
"If a child wandered off alone in the real world, everyone would be worried. But a child can wander into an unsafe online space in their bedroom without any supervision. We need to treat online safety with the same seriousness.
Why On‑Mute May matters
"For me, On‑Mute May is important because it forces us to pause and think about how the online world is shaping our lives. I met so many of my Uni friends in group chats on WhatsApp.
"When I go out with my friends, half the time everyone is still looking at their phones. Even studying is tough because there’s always something to distract you. I delete my social media during exams because it’s the only way to focus.
"We all need that reminder to lift our heads up and reconnect.
"Taking time away from social media doesn’t mean the internet is bad. There are loads of amazing things about being online. During COVID, it was a lifeline for so many young people. But now that life offline has returned, it’s harder to separate the digital world from real connection. On‑Mute May gives us permission to step back and find that balance.
Adults have a role to play
"Adults need to keep kids safe, but parents need support. They need clear, honest information so they can guide children online like the advice the Children First support line gives.
"My friend Jamie-Leigh and I worked with Children First on some really cool online animations sharing tips and advice for parents and professionals last year..
"Children shouldn’t have to figure out everything alone, especially when they’re not fully equipped to recognise risks.
"In real life, adults would never expect a young person to deal with danger by themselves. But online, we sometimes act like children should magically know what to do. They shouldn’t. And that’s why campaigns like this matter.
What I want other young people to know
"Being online all the time can make you forget what’s happening around you. It can take a toll on how you feel about yourself, how you see the world and even how people treat one another. The rise of toxic influencers, bullying in group chats, people sharing harmful content… it all adds up.
"Taking a break doesn’t mean unplugging forever. It just means giving your brain space to breathe. If I can do it during exams, anyone can do it for a month.
I’m doing On‑Mute May because it’s time to reset
"This month, I want to be more present, more reflective and more connected to real life. I want to remind myself that the world doesn’t end if I’m not constantly scrolling. And by taking part, I’m helping raise money for Children First so more children and families can get support when they need it."
If you’re thinking about doing something worthwhile – for your own wellbeing and to help protect Scotland’s children – join me. On Mute May | Children First
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On Mute May
Do you have what it takes? Go 'on-mute' this May. Give up social media and raise funds for Scotland's children. Cut your screen time by half, take weekends offline or go cold turkey for the whole month! Spread the word and ask friends and family to sponsor you. It is your challenge, your way.
