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Watching and browsing online

Children love streaming videos and browsing the web—it’s a fun way to learn and relax. But it’s important to guide them to safe, age-appropriate content.

This guide will help you  support children to agree to digital boundaries, make smart choices, and building healthy online habits.

Supporting children watching and browsing online

According to Ofcom, the online safety regulator, a significant majority of children are watching online videos regularly. and browsing the internet. This represents over 90% of children. Explore the hub to get help on the best ways to navigate parental controls, set healthy screen time habits, and encourage safe, age-appropriate online activities.

Quick tips
How to support safe watching and browsing

Use parental controls to limit access to content suitable for your child’s age group. Most platforms, like Netflix, YouTube Kids, and BBC iPlayer, offer child-friendly settings that block inappropriate videos and shows.

Tip: Regularly review settings as your child grows older and their interests change.

Spending too much time online can lead to tiredness, reduced focus, and even affect emotional well-being. Establish screen time limits to ensure a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

Ideas for balance:

  • Encourage device-free meals and bedtime routines.
  • Set a daily limit for streaming or browsing.
  • Use timers to remind kids when it’s time to take a break.

Watching and browsing together lets you guide your child’s choices while creating opportunities to bond and discuss what they’re consuming.

Ways to get involved:

  • Share family-friendly shows or YouTube channels you both enjoy.
  • Discuss what they’ve watched—ask questions about characters or lessons from the content.
  • Use educational videos as a springboard for learning new skills or exploring interests.

Help your child understand the importance of staying safe while exploring the internet. Encourage them to stick to trusted sites and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or ads.

Top tips for safety:

  • Use child-friendly browsers or search engines like Kiddle or Swiggle.
  • Explain the risks of sharing personal information online.
  • Show them how to recognise and avoid fake news or clickbait.

What you’ll find in this Guide:

  • Practical tips on managing access to content and using parental controls.
  • How to set boundaries and encourage healthy online habits.
  • Ways to teach children how to stay secure and make smart choices online.

Supporting resources

See the latest articles to support children online and find resources to help them make smarter and safer choices online.