Digital Safety at Home

WHY DIGITAL SAFETY STARTS AT HOME

Children aged 7–9 are learning to make more decisions for themselves, but their judgement is still developing. Technology can support learning, creativity, communication, and play. Children benefit most when adults provide calm guidance, clear routines, and opportunities to talk about what they experience online.

THE FIVE HOME DIGITAL SAFETY HABITS

1. ASK BEFORE SHARING — Check with a trusted adult before sharing personal information, photographs, videos, or other content when unsure.

2. PAUSE WHEN SOMETHING FEELS WRONG — If something online feels confusing, uncomfortable, frightening, or inappropriate, pause rather than continue interacting. Pause → Stop → Tell a trusted adult.

3. KEEP PERSONAL INFORMATION PRIVATE — This can include full name, home address, phone number, passwords, school information, photographs and videos, and location information.

4. USE DEVICES IN AGREED PLACES — Create simple family routines about where and when devices may be used, when they are put away, and when an adult should be nearby or available to help.

5. BALANCE SCREEN TIME — Make space for sleep, schoolwork, meals, physical activity, outdoor play, family time, friends, hobbies, and breaks from screens. There is no single screen-time limit that suits every child or family.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Talk together about full name, home address, phone number, passwords, school information, photographs and videos, and location information. The key message is: “If you’re unsure whether something is okay to share, ask a trusted adult.”

PASSWORDS AND ACCOUNT SAFETY

Teach children that passwords are private; they should not be shared casually with friends; they should use adult-approved accounts and settings; they should ask an adult before creating a new account; ask an adult for help if a password is forgotten; and tell an adult if an unexpected login message appears.

WHEN SOMETHING ONLINE FEELS WRONG

Adults can teach a simple response: Pause → Stop → Tell a trusted adult. Children should know they can ask for help without being blamed.

QUICK ADULT CHECKLIST

• I have agreed simple device routines with the child.
• The child knows to ask before sharing when unsure.
• The child understands that passwords are private.
• The child knows what to do if something online feels wrong.
• We make time for non-screen activities.

CONNECTION TO KIDS CORNER

Use My Screen-Time Tracker and relevant Digital Safety Learn Safety content as conversation starters. The adult resource focuses on family routines, communication, and support rather than repeating the child-facing material.

PARENT / TEACHER NOTE

Digital safety is not about making children afraid of technology. It is about helping them build safe, healthy, and responsible habits. Calm guidance and a non-blaming environment can make it easier for children to ask for help early.