Helping Children Stay Safe Online: A New Guide for Parents
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Children today spend more time online than ever before – for learning, playing, and chatting with friends. But with so much happening in the digital world, it can be hard for parents to know how to keep their children safe while still letting them enjoy the benefits of technology.
To help families, the Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has published a new guide called What I Wish My Parents or Carers Knew: A Guide for Parents on Managing Children’s Digital Lives. This guide gives practical tips for setting healthy boundaries and starting positive conversations about online life.
Why is this important for primary-aged children?
Even at primary school, children are using devices for games, videos, and messaging. Many parents wonder:
- When is the right time to give a child a smartphone?
- How much screen time is too much?
- How do I talk to my child about what they see online?
The guide answers these questions with advice based on what children themselves say works best. When asked if they would give a smartphone to their own teenager, most children said no – they wish they had been protected from it for longer.
What children want from adults
Children told the Commissioner they value clear, firm rules about online use. One young person said:
“Don’t be afraid to be firm… If you’re worried your child is seeing harmful content and it’s affecting their behaviour, trust that you know best.”
Top Tips for Parents from the Guide
- Delay smartphones for as long as possible – Most children say they wish they’d had more time without one.
- Set clear boundaries early – Agree on screen time limits and stick to them.
- Talk regularly about online life – Ask what games they play and who they chat to.
- Be curious, not judgmental – Show interest so children feel comfortable sharing.
- Lead by example – Model healthy habits like putting phones away at mealtimes.
- Use parental controls wisely – They’re helpful, but conversations matter most.
- Know their apps – Learn what platforms they use and check age ratings.
Where to find the guide
The full guide is available online It’s designed to help parents feel confident about supporting their child’s digital life.
Click on this link to read it: What I wish my parents or carers knew: A guide for parents on managing children’s digital lives.
Click here for the 'Digital 5 A Day' activity pack to share with your child.