In a world where the digital landscape and societal challenges are continually evolving, let's equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and create secure online environments for children.

The digital world offers vast opportunities for exploration, communication and creativity, but also presents significant risks and challenges. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for ensuring safe and responsible online behaviour. Particularly for children, who are increasingly engaging with the internet from a very young age, there is a pressing need for awareness and protective measures.

What are young children doing online?

A substantial 87% of children aged 3-4 access the internet, with YouTube and YouTube Kids being particularly popular. About 38% of these children have their own profiles on YouTube, where they primarily watch videos such as cartoons and songs.

Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facetime are also commonly used by nearly half of this age group for communication purposes, though online gaming remains less prevalent among them. 

Recent Ofcom findings show a significant preference for YouTube Kids over traditional TV viewing among young children.

Watching videos

It is imperative to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology among children. Parents, caregivers and professionals must engage in conversations about responsible, respectful, critical and creative use of technology.

YouTube, despite its benefits, poses risks when young children move onto posting videos, potentially exposing them to inappropriate content or revealing personal information. YouTube Kids provides a safer alternative, offering a controlled environment with family-friendly content managed through automated filters, human reviews, and parental input.

Video games in the UK and over 30 other European countries are age-rated by the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system, which categorises games based on content suitability for different age groups. Ratings such as 12, 16 and 18 are legally enforced, while ratings of 3 and 7 serve as guidelines.

These ratings help parents choose appropriate games and manage their children's gaming experiences using parental controls on consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. Playing video games as a family can foster understanding, enjoyment and creativity.

Messaging and live streaming

Messaging apps allow for the exchange of messages, media and documents, often within large group conversations. While these apps facilitate connectivity, they also introduce risks, including unwanted interactions with strangers. Livestreaming, popular among children and teenagers, presents similar risks, particularly concerning sharing personal information.

Parents should ensure children understand the importance of privacy and knowing how to use reporting and blocking features on these platforms.

Those unseen pressures

Social media offers entertainment, educational benefits and connectivity, but can negatively impact mental health by fostering excessive use, isolation, stress and dependency on validation through likes and followers. It also promotes social comparison, which can decrease self-esteem and contribute to negative body image.

Recognising these impacts is essential, and measures such as setting boundaries, digital detoxes and prioritising offline interactions can help restore balance. Encouraging digital literacy and empathy online can create a safer and more supportive environment.

Filtering and monitoring

The internet hosts a wealth of information and services, but also contains content unsuitable for children. Parental controls are vital for filtering and blocking inappropriate content, setting time restrictions and managing content visibility. These controls can be applied across home broadband, gaming consoles, mobile devices, apps and search engines.

When children are away from home, it is important to remain cautious about public WiFi and ensure consistent communication about online boundaries and expectations.

Setting boundaries

Promoting positive online habits is crucial for helping children to navigate the internet responsibly. Reducing screen time, discussing online experiences and setting clear boundaries can foster a healthier online environment.

Parents should lead by example, demonstrating good online behaviour and taking breaks from negative content. Encouraging children to question the accuracy of online information and to manage their online spaces can also enhance their digital well-being.

To conclude…

Ensuring children's online safety requires confidence and skills from parents, caregivers and professionals. Educational resources like 'PENGUINPIG,' 'Old Macdonald had a Phone' and 'Troll Stinks' provide engaging ways to teach e-safety and the impact of online behaviour to young children. These tools are essential for fostering a safe and informed digital experience for the youngest users.