Internet safety tips for kids under 5s

Internet can definitely be a super useful tool for grown-ups and children.

Nevertheless, how do we introduce screens to young kids?

When and how do we teach children about online safety?

The statistics about cyberbullying and online scams targeting kids show that it is a growing problem

and parents need to educate themselves and their children early.

Even the impact that advertisements have on vulnerable children’s behaviour and habits are shocking!

This post shares helpful internet safety tips for kids under 5 years of age.

Below you will read practical tips and advices on how to support and guide young kids to be safe online.

Why is internet safety important?

Nowadays children start playing and using connected devices from a really young age. Before we know it they start swiping touch screens, making phone and video calls and send images to contacts.

The risks are various though. They might access inappropriate content, share personal information or images and experience cyberbullying. There are even online scams that target children! Cyberbullying is a sad part of our online world. Familiar people or strangers are able to send intimidating, humiliating, threatening and harassing messages to your kids. A study has shown in 2022 that nearly half of all teens (49%) had experienced some form of cyberbullying in US.

The mental and emotional effects of cyberbullying may include mental health issues, depression, increased stress and anxiety, violence, low self-esteem, embarrassment and anger. The physical effects of cyberbullying may include headaches, stomach aches, sleeping problems or even .

Unfortunately, most parents respond proactively after their children are cyberbullied. You can read here our guide to empowering kids and protecting them from abuse and bullying from an early age. The younger we start to talk about kids online safety, the safer they will be. Let’s lay the foundations for safer and more enjoyable online experiences!

Internet safety tips

1. Talk to your kids about the connected world.
2. Teach your kids about personal information.
3. Ensure they use screens and internet in communal areas at home.
4. Set up devices safely.

Kids books about kids online safety

• Arthur’s Computer Disaster by Marc Brown

• Chicken Clicking by Jeanne Willis, Tony Ross

• #Goldilocks A Hashtag Cautionary Tale by Jeanne Willis, Tony Ross

• Troll stinks by Jeanne Willis, Tony Ross

Or get 3 Books Collection Set (Goldilocks, Troll Stinks!, Chicken Clicking) by Jeanne Willis here.

• A Big Hug Book: The Internet is Like a Puddle by  Shona Innes, Írisz Agócs

• Nerdy Birdy Tweets by Aaron Reynolds

• Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds

• You’re all animals by Nicholas Allan
• The Technology Tail by Julia Cook

• If You Give a Mouse an iPhone: A Cautionary Tail by Ann Droyd

• Dot.Common Sense: How to stay smart and safe online by Ben Hubbard, Beatriz Castro

Parental Control Guide

Parental control apps can be used to see what your kids are doing on their smartphones and tablets. Click here to read the best 7 parental control apps. The apps can monitor app usage, set limits on screen time, and block kids from using certain apps. Some of them also include location tracking, real-time alerts, call and text message monitoring. Although there are some free parental control apps, most require buying a monthly or yearly subscription for approximately $5 to $55 per month.

In addition, shared accounts allow you to block specific websites, apps or functions, filter inappropriate content and monitor your kids’use of connected devices and apps.

Password protected devices seem to be safer for young children. Add a passcode or a password that your kids don’t know and change it regularly. At the same time, avoid setting up fingerprint or face authentication for children.

Extra tips to keep in mind

• Set a good example with your own safe and healthy screen habits.
• Encourage using screens in ways that build creativity and connection with family and friends.
• Talk to your child about what they are seeing. Point out good behavior, such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others. Make connections to meaningful events or places of interest.
• Be aware of advertising and how it influences children.

This post was all about internet safety tips for kids.

As children’s screen time increases and the age of owning their own connected devices decreases,

parents should consider kids online safety seriously while they are still quite young.

We should protect our kids from scams and advertisement to the serious impacts of cyberbullying.

Please share below the tip that you haven’t thought of before.