Campaign is part of the McCain Institute’s efforts to combat human trafficking
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 25, 2025) — As young adults encounter increasingly harmful content online, parents and teens are communicating differently about internet safety, according to new research from the McCain Institute. The study of 800 adults and 600 youth, part of the McCain Institute’s “R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t” (RFD) campaign, uncovered critical shifts and persistent barriers in how families are approaching social media.
“With teens increasingly shaped by what they encounter online, it’s essential for parents and caregivers to foster open dialogue about their digital interactions,” said Corban Teague, director of the human rights & freedom program at the McCain Institute. “Discussing what real friends do—and don’t—share in private online spaces can help teens navigate these influences safely and wisely.”
Key findings include:
More Conversations Around Key Online Risks: Parents are having more discussions with their teens on critical topics like sexting, online grooming, and chatting with strangers. The percentage of parents who report discussing strangers online rose to 79% from 73% in 2023. These discussions are more crucial than ever as teens are exposed too diverse, sometimes divisive, voices online.
Teens’ Growing Engagement in Online Safety: Teens increasingly recognize the importance of discussing online behaviors with parents. This year, 70% of teens emphasized the importance of conversations about re-sharing nude photos, compared to 64% a year earlier, while teens acknowledging the importance of discussing sexting increased to 68% from 65%.
Challenges in Bridging Communication Gaps: Despite positive trends, many parents still hesitate to initiate certain discussions, often believing their children are too young. This persistent barrier points to a need for further support to help parents address a broader range of online influences, especially as younger generations are increasingly drawn to the voices and viewpoints shared on social media.
The report also reveals that while general awareness of online safety campaigns overall remains moderate, familiarity with the resources provided by “R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t”—available online and on social media—can empower parents and caregivers with accessible tools that teens can turn to when they need help navigating their increasingly online lives.
Download the full report here.
About the McCain Institute’s “R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t” Campaign
Since its 2020 inception, “R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t” has worked to equip families with the tools needed to discuss online risks. By encouraging open, honest conversations, R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t aims to bridge the gap between parents and teens, empowering them to address complex online challenges together. The campaign employs an integrated suite of activities to reach those most at risk ranging from an online resource hub to billboards to influencer-driven social media campaigns, and public art.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.