Ages 5 to 10 Years

Learn how to have discussions with your child about safely using the internet. Help them build good digital habits as they start exploring new electronic devices, games, websites, and videos.

Look up age ratings, reviews, and content warnings for all apps, games, movies, and TV shows before allowing your child to view them.

 

Does an app or website allow purchases? If it does, consider requiring a password or pin before your child can make a purchase.

Click on website: commonsensemedia.org

Cover your device's webcams when not in use. This can help block unwanted access to the camera, protecting your child's privacy.

 

Teach your child that they should avoid clicking on links or opening attachments that seem strange or are from unknown sources. These could contain viruses that could take their information or lead to problems with your device.

Make sure your child knows that not everything they see on the internet is true. Some pictures, videos, or information might have been made by AI or could be made up. Encourage your child to ask a trusted adult if they feel confused about anything they see online.

Research has shown that children who regularly watch violent games, shows, or movies may become numb to violence. They may also copy aggressive behavior that they see online.

 

Before allowing your child to play a video game, make sure you know the content warnings and what the game is about. Look at the ESRB rating age recommendations, such as "E for Everyone" or "T for Teen." 

Regularly check what your child is viewing online. If they have social media, look at their friend list and the accounts they follow.

 

Use parent controls to limit screen time and choose which apps or websites your child can access.

Encourage your child to think carefully about what they post online. Photos, videos, comments, and posts stay on the internet forever, even if they seem to disappear after a few seconds. Teach your child to keep personal information private, especially about their age and where they live.

Have a discussion about sexting and inappropriate social media posts or messages. Ask if they know what sexting is, and share information that is suitable for their age.

 

Explain that texts and social media posts should never have pictures or videos of people without clothes. Encourage your child to share anything that makes them uncomfortable with a trusted adult.

Talk about cyberbullying and how it can hurt others. Examples include sending mean messages, posting embarrassing photos of someone, or making up stories about other people. Cyberbullying can happen anywhere and at any time of day.

 

If your child is a victim of cyberbullying, they might become depressed, anxious, have trouble sleeping, or struggle with schoolwork. Talk to your child about their experiences, report harmful posts or messages, and offer mental health resources.

Balance your child's screen time with other healthy and fun activities, such as playing sports, reading, doing a craft, or spending time with friends. These activities encourage your child to be active, creative, and social.

Set a good example by showing habits that you want the child to follow. For example, this could mean having meals without phones or keeping devices in another room when it is time for bed. By doing these things, you can help your child learn and build good digital habits.

Do you have questions about online or social media safety for 5-10 year olds?

Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with our staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM about your safety questions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

healthychildren.org: Screen Time and Healthy Media Use Habits

healthychildren.org: Kids & Tech - 12 Tips for Parents in the Digital Age

healthychildren.org: How to Help Prevent Cyberbullying

healthychildren.org: How to Talk to Children About Sexting

healthychildren.org: Kids & Screen Time-Questions for School-Age Children

raisingchildren.net.au: School Age: Media & Technology

commonsensemedia.org: Parenting, Media, and Everything In Between

988indiana.org: Indiana Suicide & Crisis Hotline

google.com: Google Family Link

microsoft.com: Microsoft Family Safety

apple.com: Family Features