Skip to content 
The online world is an inevitable part of modern life, and your child will interact with the internet eventually. It is essential, therefore, to proactively teach and guide them on safe online practices and to establish parental controls before this engagement begins. For children under the age of five, there are five key rules to adhere to:
1. Active Supervision and Location
- Supervise Constantly: Always sit with your child when they are using an internet-connected device. This is crucial for safety and transforms screen time into a valuable bonding and learning experience, allowing you to guide their understanding of the content.
- Keep Devices in Common Areas: All devices (computers, laptops, phones, tablets) must be kept out of private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms. This makes monitoring their use significantly easier.
2. Implement and Manage Parental Controls
Parental controls are your primary security measure. Ensure they are correctly set up and maintained.
- Initial Setup: Devices will guide you through setting up controls when first used or reset. Features range from blocking age-inappropriate games on consoles to filtering content and limiting screen time on phones and tablets.
- Password Protect Purchases: Secure app stores with a password to prevent accidental or unauthorised purchases.
- Use Child-Specific Modes and Apps: Always utilize the ‘Kids Modes’ on streaming services to restrict content. Where available, use child-specific versions of applications, such as YouTube Kids.
3. Curate and Review Content
Be deliberate about the content you allow your child to access.
- Focus on Educational Quality: Prioritise content that promotes learning, problem-solving, and creativity. Look for resources endorsed by educational bodies. The Department for Education recommends:
- Ensure Safety Features: The content must not include chat features, in-app purchases, or any ability for strangers to contact your child.
- Regularly Review Content: Apps and services are frequently updated. Continuously check for changes or additions that might render the content unsuitable for your child.
4. Establish Clear Boundaries and Routines
Structured use of devices is vital for healthy development.
- Enforce Time Limits:
- Screen time for under Fives must be limited to a maximum of one hour per day. Aim for a consistent, set time for this activity.
- Children aged one year or under should have no screen time at all.
- Designate Screen-Free Zones and Times:
- Integrate screen-free mealtimes and playtimes into your routine.
- Ensure there is no screen time for one hour before bedtime.
- Use Screens as a Learning Tool: Screen time should support learning, not be used as a means to pacify or distract your child. Excessive screen time can hinder essential developmental activities, including imaginative play, social interaction, and gross motor skills development.
5. Simple Safety Conversations
Have ongoing, easy-to-understand discussions about internet safety.
- Protect Private Information: Teach your child not to share personal information or photos online. Help them grasp the risks and understand that they should never respond to prompts asking for this data.
- Encourage Reporting: Ensure your child feels safe and comfortable telling you (or another trusted adult) if they encounter anything online that makes them scared, confused, or uncomfortable. They must know to immediately stop what they are doing and show it to you.
- Reinforce Ownership: Remind your child that devices are adult property and require your permission to use. This reinforces your control and authority over their access.
For more information check out these sites:
https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/internet-safety
https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers
https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en/learning-corner/parents-caregivers
