From child-friendly apps and games to resources that support balanced screen time, our Early Years resources offer teachers the insights they need to support children under 5.
The digital world offers a variety of benefits, but children in Early Years might not understand the harmful risks they face online.
Below are common online safety issues that children under 5 might experience. See what they are and how teachers can help them stay safe.
Nearly 1 in 3 parents agree that their 3-5-year-old spends too much time on screens. At this age, children largely watch content, which is often passive. It’s recommended that children in Early Years move around frequently. So, if there is screen time, videos that teach dancing or movement are helpful.
It’s also important to teach mindfulness. If watching something makes a child feel tired or upset, they should learn to take action against it.
Resources for parents:
Online safety starts early: Share this video series with parents to help them develop good online habits with their children early on.
Apps and platforms: Explore apps and platforms to support children’s learning and wellbeing.
Inappropriate content can come in many shapes at this age. It does not need to be graphic violence or pornography to be inappropriate for under-5s.
Anything that is directed at older children might also be inappropriate for children in Early Years.
It’s important to consider their development before allowing access to certain content. YouTube Kids is a better alternative to YouTube, for example. It offers more restrictions and safeguards to protect very young children.
The below tips are drawn from this publication to help you support the young children you educate.
Choose tech with intention
When setting children up on devices, keep in mind the purpose of the device use. It’s a tool that you can use to help children in early years develop and learn. Take the same level of care when choosing devices and apps as you would setting up a role play area or book corner.
Ask yourself:
What does this device make possible for a child?
How could it support activities?
What is the digital experience replacing?
Digital microscopes let children see texture and detail more closely; programmable robots help children develop problem-solving skills.
However, stacking blocks in a game on a tablet is not equal to stacking tangible blocks off of a device. So, it’s important to consider whether it is necessary to the skills you’re helping them develop in the moment.
Schedule tech use carefully
‘Choosing when to use technology is as important as the device itself.’ Avoid interrupting engaged play, learning or socialising where you can.
And think about transitions. Using devices before clean-up time, for example, can make it a lot more difficult for young children to switch gears.
Devices are designed to be user-friendly and engaging, which is why screen time can creep up. It’s also why getting a young child to put a tablet away and start tidying can result in conflict and big emotions.
The guidance also recommends avoiding screen use around nap times or the end of the day. Bright blue light from screens and stimulating content can negatively impact their sleep and ability to wind down.
Take an active role in device use
In the same way as we would encourage parents to sit with their child during device use, take an active role as an educator. Help them connect what they learn on a device to what they’ve also learned off devices.
Talk with them about what they’re doing. Ask questions to help them think critically. Narrate what is being done on devices, including when it’s time to take a break (‘my eyes feel sleepy, so I know I need to take a break’).
Model purposeful use to help show children that technology is a useful tool, but not a replacement for other activities.
Think about quality, not just quantity
Not all screen time is created equal. While government guidance recommends no screen time for infants and limited screen time for under-5s in general, the quality of that screen time matters.
Devices and apps which hold a child’s attention but offer nothing substantial cannot support their development.
Fast-paced videos, unpredictable content and overstimulating visuals can be too much for a young child. Instead, prioritise slow-paced content and apps which have clear learning goals or outcomes.
Partner with parents and families
Online safety and media literacy skills develop best when both school and home work together. Support families with guidance around best practise (such as talking to their child about what they are watching).
You can also suggest device-based activities or strategies for transitions (such as towards bedtime) to help them develop their own positive habits.
Learn about the apps and platforms used by children under 5 to help support parents in keeping their child safe online.
CBeebies is intentionally designed for children aged 6 and under. It features a range of games, activities and videos that aim to support young children’s development. Parents should still review any new content to ensure its appropriate.
YouTube Kids is a great alternative to regular YouTube at this age. Parents can set strict content limits, screen time and more. However, they still need to take an active roll in reviewing the content their child can access.
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