​​

But a conversation with a friend changed the direction of my work. She spoke about the increasing emotional pressure that teenagers, particularly girls, were facing online. Anxiety, bullying, social comparison and the quiet vulnerability that can build behind a screen.

​

At the time, I was already writing children’s stories focused on emotional resilience — helping younger children understand their feelings, build confidence and develop strong communication skills.

​

Then I was asked to create a story that tackled online safety for Key Stage 1.

​

That’s when it became clear.

​

We often wait until children are teenagers to talk seriously about online risk. But by then, they may already be emotionally exposed.

​

What if we started earlier?

​

What if, at six or seven years old, children were learning how to pause before reacting, name their feelings, ask for help, think critically and choose kindness?

 

Rules and restrictions have their place. But they don’t build resilience on their own.

Children need adult protection from the beginning, alongside opportunities to develop age-appropriate skills and confidence.

​

That belief is what led to the creation of The D.O.G — Dedicated Online Guardians.

​

The D.O.G brings together emotional resilience and digital awareness through child-friendly stories and practical tools, helping families and schools raise confident, thoughtful digital citizens from the very beginning.

Because online safety isn’t just about blocking apps.

​

It’s about building strong, emotionally equipped children who can navigate the world — online and offline — with confidence.