Supporting Your Child:
In a Digital World
In today’s world, technology is part of everyday life—even for our youngest learners. Creating an inclusive, safe, and positive digital environment at home helps children feel seen, respected, and confident in who they are. Below, we’ve put together guidance, ideas, and practical tips to support you and your child.
Creating an Inclusive Digital Environment at Home
Children benefit from seeing themselves and others positively represented.
You can:
• Choose apps, books, and videos that show diverse families, cultures, abilities, and identities
• Talk about differences in a positive and age-appropriate way
• Encourage your child to express themselves through photos, drawings, and storytelling apps
• Use technology to connect with family members and learn about different cultures
Explore resources such as:
• Online story libraries with diverse characters
• Educational platforms with inclusive content
• Child-friendly videos celebrating different cultures and traditions
Good Uses of ICT for Children (Ages 0–5 years)
Technology can support early learning when used appropriately.
Positive uses include:
• Listening to interactive stories and e-books
• Creative apps for drawing, music, and storytelling
• Early learning games (letters, numbers, shapes)
• Video calls with family to build relationships
• Exploring the world through supervised videos and virtual tours
Key tip: Balance is important—technology should complement, not replace, play, conversation, and real-world exploration.
What to Watch Out For
• Excessive screen time
• Exposure to inappropriate content
• Overstimulation from fast-paced apps
• Lack of supervision
• Apps with ads or in-app purchases
Staying Safe and Respectful Online
Even young children can begin learning about online safety.
Teach your child to:
• Be kind and respectful (just like in real life)
• Tell a trusted adult if something worries them
• Understand that not everything online is real
For parents:
• Use parental controls and privacy settings
• Check apps before downloading
• Keep devices in shared family spaces
• Talk regularly about online experiences
Introducing AI (Including Chat Tools) Safely
AI tools are becoming more common, but young children should only use them with adult support.
Safe use tips:
• Always supervise your child
• Use AI as a tool for learning together (e.g., asking simple questions)
• Explain that AI is not a real person
• Never share personal information
Choosing Appropriate Apps
Look for apps that:
• Are age-appropriate (check ratings)
• Encourage creativity and learning
• Do not include adverts or chat features
• Have strong privacy protections
Less is more: A few high-quality apps are better than many low-quality ones.
Healthy Digital Habits
Help your child build a balanced relationship with technology:
• Set clear screen time routines
• Avoid screens before bedtime
• Keep mealtimes screen-free
• Encourage active play every day
• Use technology together as a family
Myth Busters: Online Safety
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
❌ “My child is too young to be at risk online”
✔ Even young children can encounter inappropriate content—supervision is key
❌ “Educational apps are always safe”
✔ Some still include ads or collect data—always check first
❌ “If my child can use a device, they understand it”
✔ Children may be confident users but still need guidance
❌ “Parental controls do everything”
✔ They help, but conversations and supervision matter most
Useful Websites for Parents
Internet Matters
A leading UK resource for keeping children safe online.
• Step-by-step guides for parental controls
• Advice on apps, games, and devices
• Tips on talking to children about online safety
Parentkind
Provides an online safety toolkit for families.
• Screen time guidance and digital wellbeing
• Advice on social media risks and privacy
• Practical tips like setting filters and time limits
Childnet
Great for both parents and children.
• Age-specific advice (including early years)
• Resources on bullying, gaming, and online behaviour
• Activities to help children learn safe habits
NSPCC
www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Support for keeping children safe online and offline.
• Guides for parents on online risks
• Help for children through Childline
• Advice on starting important safety conversations
Family Lives
A hub of links and advice for families.
• Covers cyberbullying, privacy, and safe internet use
• Signposts to trusted organisations and reporting tools
TechSafe
Offers practical tools and apps for families.
• Free apps and guides on online safety topics
• Videos and resources for parents and children
• Support for different needs, including SEND
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media’s guide to talking about identity and representation in media.
NHS
Healthy technology habits are essential for children’s emotional and physical wellbeing. The NHS provides practical guidance on screen time, sleep, and activity.
BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
AI tools are becoming part of everyday learning. To understand both the opportunities and risks, families can explore child-friendly explanations from BBC Bitesize.
Technology can be a wonderful tool for learning, creativity, and connection when used thoughtfully. By staying involved, setting boundaries, and encouraging open conversations, you can help your child develop safe, positive digital habits from the very start.
If you would like support or recommendations, please speak to a member of staff—we’re here to help!