Online safety for young kids aged 6-10

Install parental controls on your home broadband/WiFi and any internet-enabled devices. This can help reduce the chance of your child coming across inappropriate content.

Some WiFi networks also have additional parental controls to help manage screen time and other parts of online safety. Explore our step-by-step guides for support.

On devices, set up separate accounts for your child. Decide which apps they can use, set screen time limits and block contact with strangers. For iOS, use Apple Screen Time. For Android, use Android parental controls or Google Family Link.

Before agreeing to let your child use a new app, platform or game, check the age ratings.

For video games, you can use the PEGI rating system. Search for video game titles to learn more about them

For social media, AI, streaming platforms and any other non-game app, check the Terms and Conditions or Terms of Service.

Be wary of app store ratings

App stores will not always have the same rating as required by the app, especially for lesser known apps, so don’t rely on that. For example, the yoga app Down Dog requires users to be 18 or older to use the app independently. However, the Google Play Store says it’s suitable for ages 3 and up.

Importantly, just because your child meets an age minimum, that doesn’t mean they are ready. Consider other factors as well like maturity, digital resilience and media literacy as well.

Use safe search engines such as Swiggle. You can save time by adding these to the ‘Favourites’ of your child’s web browser. Some may also have apps that you can install instead.

Safe search settings can also be activated on Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo and other search engines, as well as on YouTube.

As a family, set screen time boundaries. This includes being clear about what your child can and can’t do online, where they can use devices, how much time they can spend online, the sites they can visit and the type of information they can share.

As your child grows, they might want access to 13+ platforms or smartphones before they’re old enough or ready. So, it’s also a good idea to set expectations early for if and when they can gain access to these things.

We do not recommend smartphone access for children under 11. You and your child should also follow minimum age requirements for apps and platforms. These age minimums should be coupled with confidence that they can keep themselves safe.

Avoid allowing your child use of devices behind closed doors. Set rules about keeping devices out of the bedroom.

Agree on boundaries around where devices can be used (such as the lounge or kitchen) so you can keep an eye on how they’re using the internet.

You might also wish to restrict certain apps to certain devices. Roblox, for example, can be played on mobile, console, tablet and computer. However, you might wish to block it on all devices except console so you have an easier overview.

If your child has older siblings (or younger siblings), make sure they understand the individual rules. A teenager might need devices for school, for example, so might have more allowance.

You should also ensure that older siblings know why rules are in place for your younger child. Encourage them not to help their younger sibling skirt the rules as that could leave them open to risk. And if they’re going behind your back, they might be less likely to tell you if something goes wrong.

Make sure all adults in your child’s life is aware of the rules as well, especially those you use for childcare such as their grandparents.

The best way to find out what your child is doing online is to talk with them about what they do and what sites they like to visit. Ask them to show you or play online games together to learn about the platforms and teach them good online safety habits.