The internet opens up incredible opportunities for children to learn, create and connect with others. But alongside these benefits come real challenges - from inappropriate content to cyberbullying and privacy concerns.
Recent research shows that 77% of children aged 9-17 have experienced some form of harm online - an 8% increase from the previous year - from exposure to violent content to unwanted contact from strangers.
The good news? You don't need to be a tech expert to help children navigate the digital world safely. What matters most is staying involved, having open conversations, and helping children build the confidence to handle challenges when they arise. Here's how you can support your child's digital safety at every age.
Key Facts About Children Online in the UK
What's happening now:
Since July 2025, online platforms have a legal duty to protect children under the Online Safety Act, including using age assurance to prevent access to harmful content
Major adult sites including PornHub have deployed age checks across their services following new regulations
One in three children aged 5-7 use social media unsupervised, despite most platforms having minimum age requirements of 13
Over 90% of children aged 8-17 receive at least one lesson on online safety at school, though only 30% receive regular education
Children themselves are experts in their digital lives - and they want adults to listen to their experiences and concerns
Updated as of December 2025
Anastasiia* is playing educational games on a tablet at a Digital Learning Centre (Dnipro Region, East Ukraine)
Joy* with her 9 month old twins, daughter Mitchell* and son Evan* The twins played with the Wonderpack Infant, Edinburgh
Talk Openly About Online Safety
The foundation of keeping children safe online isn't just rules or restrictions - it's conversation.
Start where they are: Ask your child what they enjoy doing online in the same way you'd ask about their day at school. What games do they play? Which friends do they chat with? What makes them laugh or feel excited when they're online?
Make it a dialogue, not a lecture: Children are often more digitally savvy than adults in many ways. Instead of assuming you need to teach them everything, create space for them to share what they already know. Ask questions like "How do you decide which apps to download?" or "Have you ever seen something online that didn't feel right?"
Give them the words they need: Children need to know how to articulate when something goes wrong. Share examples of what online risks might look like - messages from strangers, content that makes them feel uncomfortable, friends sharing mean comments. Let them know that whatever happens, they can come to you without fear of losing access to their devices.
Share your own experiences: Talk about your relationship with technology too. What do you find challenging? When do you find yourself spending too much time scrolling? This helps normalise conversations about digital wellbeing as something everyone navigates, not just a "child problem."
Try activities that build digital skills together: If your child is aged 9-16, explore age-appropriate activities on digital safety, creativity and critical thinking that you can do together. These practical exercises help children learn about online safety while building confidence in their digital skills.
Set Boundaries and Use Parental Controls
Creating a safe digital environment means having clear agreements about how technology fits into family life.
Technical protections that help:
Use parental controls on devices, apps and wifi routers to filter inappropriate content
Set up secure passwords together and explain why they matter - explore activities that teach children about online security in an engaging way
Review privacy and security settings regularly as children grow and use new platforms
Consider blocking camera use on younger children's devices
Use screen time management tools built into devices, but remember these work best alongside conversations, not instead of them
Involve Children in Setting Rules
The most effective boundaries are ones children help create. When children feel involved in decision-making, they're more likely to stick to agreements and come to you when they need help.
For children under 6: The World Health Organisation recommends no screen time for children under two, as babies and toddlers need face-to-face interaction to develop language and attention skills. For children aged 2-5, limit screen time as much as possible - prioritise activities like reading, playing and talking together that build strong brains.
When you do introduce screens:
Choose age-appropriate content that speaks directly to your child and pauses to let them respond
Stay engaged with what they're watching
Remember that boredom isn't always bad - it encourages creativity and independent play
For children aged 6-12:
Agree screen time at the start of each week, adjusting as they get older
Discuss the difference between quality online time (homework, creative projects) and passive scrolling
Set up routines: agree why they're going online before switching on, and what you'll do together afterwards
Take breaks every 20 minutes to protect eyes and attention spans
Keep devices out of bedrooms at night to protect sleep
Explore interactive lessons that teach children aged 9-12 how to manage their online time effectively
For teenagers:
Discuss what makes them feel happy and safe online versus what causes stress
Help them recognise if technology is preventing sleep or controlling their time
Encourage them to set their own boundaries and check in on how they're working
Respect their growing need for privacy while staying available for support
Support them with age-appropriate activities on digital identity and online empathy designed specifically for 13-16 year olds
Remember: not all screen time is the same. An hour spent video-calling grandparents or working on a creative project is very different from an hour of mindless scrolling.
Teach Children to Protect Their Personal Information
Understanding what's safe to share online is a crucial skill that grows with age.
The "stop and think" rule: Before sharing anything online, encourage children to pause and ask: "Could this information be used to identify me or someone else? Could it cause harm? If I'm not sure, should I check with a trusted adult?"
Help children aged 9-16 practice this skill through interactive activities about online security and protecting personal information - making it hands-on helps these concepts stick.
What not to share:
Full names, exact ages or birth dates
Home addresses, school names with logos visible, or street signs in photos
Precise locations (turn off location services in apps)
Holiday details or hotel names while you're still away
Passwords, even with friends
Consent matters: Ask older children's permission before sharing photos or information about them online. This teaches them they have control over their digital presence and models the respect you want others to show them.
Understand the Apps and Platforms They Use
You don't need to be on every app your child uses, but you do need to know what they're engaging with.
Do your homework:
Ask your child to show you how their favourite apps work
Check age ratings on Common Sense Media or PEGI ratings, but also use your judgement - you know your child best
Look up recent news about popular platforms and any safety concerns
Understand how features like direct messaging, live streaming, or location sharing work
Questions to explore together:
Who can see what you post?
Who can contact you?
How do you report something concerning?
What happens to your data?
Stay curious, not critical: Approach this as learning together rather than policing. Your child might actually enjoy showing you around their digital world if they don't fear judgment.
Encourage Respect and Kindness Online
The way we treat each other online matters just as much as offline behaviour.
Model digital citizenship: Children watch how you interact online. Before posting or commenting, ask yourself: "Is this kind? Is it true? Would I say this face-to-face?"
Teach empathy through questions:
"How might that person feel reading your comment?"
"Would you want someone to share that about you?"
"What could you do to support your friend right now?"
For children aged 9-16, activities focused on empathy and positive online behaviour help them practice these skills in realistic scenarios.
Encourage them to be upstanders, not bystanders: Talk about what to do if they see someone being bullied online - whether that's a kind message to the person affected, reporting the behaviour, or telling a trusted adult.
For teenagers especially: Help them understand that everyone makes mistakes, and there's courage in apologising when you get it wrong. Online spaces can feel permanent, but people grow and change.
Stay Involved and Keep Learning
The digital world changes quickly, but the principles of keeping children safe remain constant.
Keep conversations flowing: Regular check-ins matter more than one-off talks. "How are you feeling about your time online lately?" can open important discussions.
Learn from multiple sources:
Ask your child's school what online safety education they provide
Talk to other parents about challenges and strategies
Follow trusted organisations like UK Safer Internet Centre, Internet Matters, and Childnet for updates on new apps, trends or risks
Remember that children often understand digital risks better than adults - listen to their insights
Recognise generational differences: Your child's digital experience is fundamentally different from your childhood. That's okay - you don't need to fully understand every platform to offer guidance and support.
Know What to Do if Something Goes Wrong
Despite our best efforts, children may encounter harm online. How we respond matters enormously.
If your child comes to you:
Stay calm and listen: Thank them for telling you. Avoid reacting with anger or panic, even if you're worried or upset. Your response now determines whether they'll come to you again.
Reassure them: Whatever happened, it's not their fault. Everyone makes mistakes, and you're proud of them for seeking help.
Document evidence: Take screenshots before reporting or deleting anything, as this may be needed later.
Report it:
Use platform reporting tools to flag harmful content or behaviour
Contact your child's school if other students are involved
For serious concerns, contact the police
Seek support from organisations like the NSPCC, Childline, or Internet Watch Foundation
Don't immediately remove access: Unless there's immediate danger, taking away devices can feel like punishment and may stop children seeking help in future. Work together on solutions instead.
Get professional support if needed: If your child is distressed, struggling with sleep or showing changes in behaviour, talk to your GP or school about accessing counselling.
Where to get help:
Childline: 0800 1111 (children can call, have an online chat or send an email)
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (for adults worried about a child)
Report Harmful Content: CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command)
Internet Watch Foundation: Report child sexual abuse imagery
Take It Down: Service to remove intimate images of under-18s from major platforms
Report Harmful Content: Free advice for 13+ on reporting harmful online content
Every Child Deserves to Be Safe
At Save the Children, we believe all children should be able to explore, learn and play wherever they are - including online. But not every child has the same level of protection, access to education or support.
Through our work in the UK and around the world, we're helping children thrive in the digital world by:
Promoting online safety education that builds children's resilience and digital literacy
Supporting families and schools with practical guidance and resources
Advocating for stronger protections and holding tech companies accountable for children's safety
Listening to children themselves as experts in their own digital experiences
Addressing digital exclusion so all children can benefit from online opportunities
Championing Children's Digital Wellbeing with Vodafone Foundation
Have you heard about our new partnership with Vodafone Foundation to champion children's digital wellbeing?
Together, we're working to make the online world a safer, more supportive place for children to learn, play and connect. The online world is part of almost everything children do today, from learning and playing to connecting with friends and exploring their place in the world. But right now, too many children are navigating this space without the protective structures and support they need to feel safe, included and able to thrive.
That's why this partnership matters. This collaboration prioritises children's rights and their protection, ensures their meaningful participation in decision-making and promotes inclusive, resilient and safe digital environments.
Together, we're:
Creating lesson content on digital life skills, using our SMILE framework (Security, Management, Identity, Literacy and Empathy) for children aged 9-16 across Europe
Setting up a Children's Digital Advisory Network (CDAN) so children can directly shape the digital spaces designed for them
Delivering joint research and advocacy to push for change across Europe
Our first joint study, Click, Scroll, Connect - and Balance: Children's digital wellbeing in educational contexts across Europe, explores how well current systems, policies and practices are supporting children's digital wellbeing right now. It shows what's working, where the gaps are, and what we can do to create safer, more inclusive digital environments for every child.
We've also created a child-friendly version of the report, so children can see what we heard from them and from adult experts — and use it to call on adults and decision-makers to build the supportive digital spaces they're asking for.
"No matter their background, every child deserves the access, skills and confidence to navigate and thrive online. As technology continues to advance, digital life is increasingly becoming real life. We must embed wellbeing into all the places children spend their time. We need to move beyond one-off fixes towards a joined up regulatory system which prioritises safety and inclusion."
Moazzam Malik, CEO, Save the Children UK
Explore free activities and resources for children aged 9-16 that teach digital skills, online safety and responsible digital citizenship through our partnership with Vodafone Foundation.
The best bit? This is just the beginning. There's so much potential in this partnership to drive real change for children's protection and wellbeing.
Find out how we're helping children stay safe and thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Children online safety
At what age should my child get their first device?
There's no single right answer - it depends on your child's maturity, your family situation and why they need a device. Consider starting with limited devices (like a basic phone for safety) and gradually introducing more features as they demonstrate responsibility. The key is having conversations about safe use before, during and after giving them access.
How much screen time is appropriate?
Rather than focusing only on hours, think about the quality and impact of screen time. Is it interfering with sleep, exercise, schoolwork or relationships? Does it leave your child energised or drained? Use these questions alongside age-appropriate time limits that you agree together as a family.
Should I read my child's messages?
This depends on their age. For younger children, regular check-ins help you spot potential issues. As children grow, they need increasing privacy - but make clear you may look at their accounts if you're worried about their safety. Focus on building trust and open communication so they come to you when problems arise rather than feeling monitored.
My child has seen inappropriate content - what should I do?
Stay calm and listen to what happened without blame. Reassure them it's not their fault. Talk about what made them uncomfortable and what they can do if it happens again. Consider whether content filters need adjusting, but recognise that accidental exposure happens even with precautions. Focus on building their resilience to handle such situations. NSPCC has helpful guidance on handling this situation.
How do I talk to my teenager who thinks they know everything about online safety?
Acknowledge that they likely do know a lot - teenagers are often more aware of digital trends than adults. Ask for their expertise and insights. Frame conversations as collaborative problem-solving rather than lectures.
If they're aged 13-16, suggest exploring activities together that challenge them at their level - this positions you as learning partners. They're more likely to engage if they don't feel patronised.
What if I don't understand the technology my child uses?
You don't need to be an expert. Ask your child to teach you, show genuine interest in what they enjoy, and focus on the principles of safe behaviour rather than mastering every platform. Admitting you don't know everything and learning together builds connection and models healthy curiosity.
What is the SMILE framework and how does it help children?
SMILE stands for Security, Management, Identity, Literacy and Empathy - five key areas that help children stay safe online. Through our partnership with Vodafone Foundation, we've created age-appropriate activities that teach these skills to children aged 9-16. It's a practical, child-friendly approach that builds digital resilience.
This guidance was developed with input from Save the Children's child protection specialists and reflects current best practice in online safety education. Content updated December 2025.
