See tips to help children become more digitally savvy and get the best out of their online world at internetmatters.org.

What are they doing online?

• 44% of 6-year-olds are going online in their bedrooms

• 28% of 10-year-olds have a social media profile

• 8 in 10 aged 5 to 15 regularly use YouTube to watch short clips or programmes

What challenges can they face?

It’s the first time they are using technology, many independently. For children between 6 and 10, they are going online to play games or watch videos. This activity can quickly become very addictive.

As children get closer to 9 and 10, they are starting to engage online and socialise through games or through social media and they may come across potential risks when talking to others online such as cyberbullying.

How to prepare them for challenges.

• Manage time online

• Use parental controls to create a safer space for kids to explore online

• Get involved and show interest in what they’re doing online

• Being a good digital citizen

Be assertive – set digital boundaries.

What happens if things go wrong?

• Find out what they’ve seen that has upset them

• Discuss how they came across it and how it made them feel

• Don’t overreact, show your support and talk it through

• Seek to advise from specialist organisation or GP if the situation is serious to give them the best chance to recover and regain confidence