HOW TO KEEP CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 6 SAFE ONLINE

1. Things to know before you go online

Research shows that babies cannot improve their language skills by watching videos. Instead they learn through their interaction with their parents, guardians and caregivers.

Screen time does not support a baby’s development. In fact, it is associated with delays. The more infants are exposed to baby media, the fewer words they acquire. Screen time has shown to reduce a baby’s ability to pay attention, and studies have also shown that greater screen time is associated with developmental delays in communication and problem-solving at ages 2 and 4. Time looking at screen takes time away from responsive and playful experiences that build strong brains.

2. Limit exposure

• The best way to keep young children safe from technology is to:
• Avoid or delay introducing screen time for as long as possible
• Prioritise face-to-face fun with babies and young children
• Limit screen time as much as you can: they need you to learn and grow

3. For babies under two

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that children under two years of age do not have any screen time and instead, they can play.

Talk, read and play with your baby to help them learn new words and improve their attention.

4. Grow strong brains and show love

• Show your child love through your words and actions
• To help your baby be creative, create a safe play space in your home with a variety of activities, books or soft toys
• To teach your baby new words, talk and play with your baby
• When feeding your baby, give your baby finger foods to self-feed

5. Boredom isn’t always bad

• Give your children something to play with or colour, or a snack to eat
• Remember it is healthy for children to be bored sometimes and have to create their own fun
• When you need a moment for yourself, give your baby something safe, durable and clean from to play with, this can be something in your kitchen.
• It is easier to get children to stop using screens if you start the day with an offline activity

6. Online activities for children over two

If you want to introduce screen time for older children, ensure that the activities are appropriate for your child and that characters speak directly to the child, pausing to let the child respond.

Once over the age of two, it is recommended to limit your child’s screen time as much as possible and to one or two days per week.

7. Set boundaries and stay engaged

• Agree on a routine before you switch on and stick to it
• Stay engaged with what your child is doing on a screen
• Prioritise doing activities together and talk about what you’re doing

8. For older siblings

• Delay and limit screen time as much as possible, especially if they have younger siblings
• Check that the content they are watching is safe for your younger child too
• Praise good offline behaviour to encourage good play habits

HOW TO KEEP 6- TO 12-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE

1. Check privacy and security settings on devices

• Use parental controls, block camera use, add secure passwords
• Discuss and review security settings, sharing and chat functions

2. Give clear information and guidance

• Explain to your children that age limits are there to keep them safe
• You know your children best: use age limit guidance, but also your own judgement make staying safe part of being online

3. Talk to your children about what they are doing online

Be curious: ask your children questions about what they do online just as you would ask about their friends and school encourage them to tell you when they are worried, have learned something new, or seen something fun!

4. Explain that online safety is everyone’s responsibility

•  Adults and children all need to keep alert and safe online
• Where possible encourage your children to stay within one trusted site or app, and not click links or share information
• Praise your children if they spot something that could be a threat 
• Help to protect yourself and others:
• Think about what personal information is okay to share online and what is not. Stop and think before you share.
• Encourage your child to ask questions: “Can this information be used to identify me? If I’m not sure, I can ask an adult I trust for advice”.

5. Not all screen time is the same

• Build and encourage healthy technology habits.
• Technology can be important for children to learn, socialise, and support friends but boundaries are important
• Agree quality of online time alongside quantity: homework online and scrolling on social media have very different qualities

6. Agree routines and take breaks

• Agree screen time with your child at the start of the week, changing with age
• If screen time is upsetting them, it’s time to take a break, and do something physical: walk, jump, play, or dance!
• Screen breaks every 20 minutes to protect eyes too

7. Before turning on the screen

• Agree why they are going online, and try to do something active offline first
• Let your child know that you are setting a timer and what you will do afterwards
• Warn your child when the time is about to end

8. When screen time ends

• Stick to what you have agreed: let your child know that the time is over
• Make sure you have a fun activity to do together once screen time has ended, ideally outside
• Try not to be on a screen in front of your child at agreed screen-free times

9. Know where to go for help

• Discuss different situations and concerns they experience and encounter online
• If your child feels threatened or has experienced abuse online: STOP AND THINK! Try to stay calm.
• Listen to and comfort your child, and remind them that it’s not their fault use your local helpline to report any threats

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