Online safety for early years (under 5)

Activate parental controls on your home broadband/WiFi to limit access to inappropriate content.

Most internet-enabled devices also offer parental controls. For example, you can set controls on iPads and Android tablets.

Popular apps and platforms have parental controls to limit content and review your child’s activity. Some apps, like YouTube Kids, are safer alternatives to apps designed for older children, teens and adults.

Keep devices out of reach from your child and set passwords or PINs on all devices. Keep this information private to only you and maybe another parent/carer if applicable. This will help you make sure your child can only use devices under your supervision.

Passwords and PINs can also help avoid accidental purchases when your child plays games or using apps.

Choose safe, fun and educational sites and apps for your child. Use age ratings in the app stores to check suitability. Make use of video, learning platforms and video games or services designed with children in mind. Browse our skill building apps for inspiration.

It’s never too early to start setting boundaries around screen time.

Set some rules about how they can use connected technology, including which apps and sites they can use and how long they can spend on them.

We’ve created a family agreement template that you can use to get started.

Set times when your child can use a device where you can supervise.

While they use the device, ask them questions about what they’re looking at or doing to help them build habits around sharing with you. This can help you keep on top of their interests, habits and online safety.

Talk to your child about what the internet is and explore it together. Show them all the good things they can do like making art, reading and learning.

Together, decide who the trusted adults are in their life (you, another parent/carer, another relative, a teacher). Make sure they know that if they see something upsetting when they’re playing or learning, they should tell you or one of their other trusted adults.