In this guide
- Guide to managing screen time
- How one parent encourages safe interactions online
- One parent’s advice for talking about online safety
- Encouraging neurodivergent young people to block and report
- Resources and games for neurodivergent young people
- Supporting resources
Guide to managing screen time
Neurodivergent young people can struggle to manage their screen time and transition between activities.
To help parents and carers encourage healthy screen time balance, explore this guide created with support from Roblox.
More guidance for parents and carers
Explore the below guides for more tips on supporting your neurodivergent child.
Get the screen time checklist
For more support with managing your neurodivergent child’s screen time, use save, download or print this checklist.
General tips and guidance
Get advice beyond screen time to help your child manage other potential risks in the online games they play.
How one parent encourages safe interactions online
Many neurodivergent children enjoy communicating online with others. It can provide a sense of community they might struggle to build offline.
However, some neurodivergent children might struggle to understand safe and positive ways to communicate with others.
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Ailish’s story
Ailish is mum to 15-year-old and 12-year-old boys. Her 12-year-old was diagnosed with autism 18 months ago. See how Ailish helps her neurodivergent son interact safely in online video games.
One parent’s advice for talking about online safety
Talking about online safety is one of the most important things parents and carers can do to support children online.
In most cases, the topics you cover with neurodivergent children are the same as with neurotypical children. However, the way to communicate these topics might change.
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Helen’s story
Helen is a mum of two boys, Theo and Emerson, who are on different parts of the autism spectrum. See what Helen does to have effective conversations around online safety with them.
Encouraging neurodivergent young people to block and report
Tools like reporting and blocking are available across platforms. Using them can help make your child’s online games safer and more positive.
However, neurodivergent young people might struggle to understand when it’s time to use those tools and how.
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Anna’s story
Anna is a mum of two boys, aged 13 and nearly 10, who are both on the autism spectrum. She has only recently allowed them to play games like Minecraft and Roblox. See how Anna makes sure her children know how to use built-in safety tools.
Resources for neurodivergent young people
Help your neurodivergent child have safer and more positive experiences online with these resources.
Choose from a printable guide and a series of short videos, depending on how they best learn.
