Home Safer Internet Day 2027 Top tips for parents and carers

Safer Internet Day – 9th February 2027

Top tips for parents and carers

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Top tips for parents and carers

As digital wellbeing and our relationship with technology continues to change, we are asking families to reflect on tech and think about ways to use technology safely and responsibly in a way that works for your family. We believe that by having these conversations we can work towards building a safer and better internet for everyone. 

Reflect on your family’s relationship with technology

Think about how technology fits into everyday life for everyone in your family. Does it help you relax, learn, be creative or stay connected? Are there times when it leaves you feeling distracted, unhappy, frustrated or under pressure?  Technology is always changing, and it can be hard to keep up with what young people are using and how it might affect them. You don’t need to have all the answers. Take the opportunity to explore new technologies together, using free resources, such as those produced for Safer Internet Day, to learn about their potential benefits and challenges.

There’s no single right way to use technology, but noticing how it affects you can help you make choices that work for your family. 

Keep conversations about life online open

Ask your child what they enjoy doing online, how it makes them feel and whether anything ever leaves them feeling worried or left out. Listen without judgement and share your own experiences too. Current news stories or TV storylines can be useful conversation starters, but make sure they are appropriate and not likely to cause more harm. Regular discussions can help your child feel comfortable coming to you for support and make it easier to talk about changes as they grow. 

Model the habits you’d like your child to develop

Children notice how adults use technology, from checking phones during conversations to scrolling when they’re tired. Think about the example you set and whether you could make more space for uninterrupted time together. You don’t need to get it right all the time; talking about your own habits and trying small changes together can be a positive starting point.

Find a balance that works for your family

Technology can offer brilliant opportunities for learning, creativity, entertainment and connection. Help your child make the most of these benefits while making room for sleep, physical activity, hobbies, friendships and time away from technology. Rather than focusing only on how long your child spends online, consider what they’re doing and how it fits into their wider life. Talk together about any habits you’d like to change, such as keeping mealtimes phone-free, muting non-essential notifications or putting devices away at bedtime. Check in to see what’s working and remember that as your child grows, and their use of technology changes, you can adapt your approach together. 

Talk about technology’s impact on the world around us 

Technology shapes more than our individual lives. It can influence how we communicate, access information, form opinions and understand the world around us. Talk with your teenager about the wider impact of technology, from how social media can shape public debate to how AI might change education and work.  

Encourage them to question what they see online, consider whose perspectives are being heard and think about who benefits from new technologies, and who might be left out. These conversations can help them develop their own views and make informed choices about the role they want technology to play in their lives and society. 

Know where to turn if something goes wrong

Technology can bring many benefits, but there may be times when something online leaves you or your child feeling worried, upset or uncomfortable. Talk to your child about what they can do if they see something that concerns them, and reassure them that they can always come to you for help. You can report harmful content directly to the platform where it appears. Reporting plays an essential role in making sure the internet is a safe and positive place for children and young people. There are some useful reporting links on the Safer Internet Centre website. Knowing where to get support can help you and your child feel more confident navigating the online world. 

Top tips for parents and carers of 3-7 year olds

These top tips have been written for you (parents and carers) to share, and talk about, with your children. It’s never too early to talk about life online!

Explore technology together

Young children learn a lot from sharing experiences with adults. Watch a programme, play a game or explore something your child is interested in together. Talk about what you’re doing, ask questions and enjoy discovering things together. This also gives you opportunities to guide them towards positive experiences and age-appropriate content. You might also find the government guidance at Best Start in Life useful to support healthy screen habits for very young children.  

Help your child notice how technology makes them feel 

Start simple conversations about how your child feels when using technology. Are they having fun, learning something new or feeling frustrated? Help them recognise when they might need a break, a change of activity or a little help from you. Young children won’t always have the words to explain how they feel, so your questions and observations can help. 

Find routines that work for your family

Every family is different, and there isn’t one approach to technology that works for everyone. Think about when and where technology fits comfortably into your family life. You might decide to put devices away at mealtimes, have a calming routine before bed or make time for play away from screens. Simple, consistent routines can help young children understand what to expect. 

Show your child the different ways technology can be used

Technology isn’t just for watching videos or playing games. It can help us make music, draw, learn about animals, explore the world and keep in touch with people we love. Explore different activities together and help your child discover the ways technology can be fun, useful and creative. 

Show them that it’s okay to stop and ask for help

Help your child understand that they can always come to you if something online makes them feel worried, confused or upset. You can also show them how to pause a game, put a device away or ask for help when something isn’t working as expected. Stay calm when they tell you about a problem, listen to what happened and help them work out what to do next.

Use parental controls and settings

Technology is part of family life in different ways, from watching programmes on a smart TV or playing a game on a tablet to asking a voice assistant a question. Take time to explore the settings and parental controls on the devices your child uses and help make their experiences safer and more age-appropriate. Â