Practical tips - Ages 4-6
This section shares practical, real-world tips shaped by our experience and what I’ve learned since, putting safety and communication first.
​
I know how overwhelming the digital world can feel for parents, and I hope this helps bring clarity and confidence. This isn’t a one-off conversation, it’s an ongoing one that needs to be introduced, reinforced, and woven into everyday life.
The most powerful tool we have
Telling your child they won’t be in trouble if they come to you, even if they lose their device or make a mistake online, creates trust. It opens the door for honest conversations, stops fear from getting in the way, and helps them reach out when something feels wrong. That simple reassurance is one of the most powerful safety tools we have, because it means they’ll choose you instead of hiding things on their own.
Teach them what to do if they see something scary
Unfortunately at some point your child will see or be shared something that is going to upset them. I never got the opportunity to teach my son this but he used words like frozen and stuck because he didn't know what to do. I've done this with my other two children since they were very small and it really does work. Teach them the Three T's - TURN away, TURN it off and TELL someone.
Ensure parental controls and Wifi security are set
Setting parental controls and WiFi security on all devices helps create a safer online space for your child by blocking inappropriate content, managing screen time, and preventing unsafe websites or contacts from reaching them.
Playdate expectations
Be up front before they go anywhere about what your expectations are. You might feel awkward at first but it does get easier the more you say it, its really not worth the risk.
-An Ipad on a sleepover went horribly wrong.
Smartphones and iPads are not toys
Children need to hear this clearly. Explain that smartphones and Ipads are tools, not toys. They are made for grown ups and need to be used safely and carefully. They are supercomputers that do lots of things for grown ups.
Parts of the internet are for adults
Explain to them that not everything on the internet is for children, some of it, is for adults.
I use the movie analogy. “There are some movies that you can watch (U rated) and others that you definitely wouldn’t watch as they’d be upsetting (18), and there are some that it’s ok to watch if you do it together with your adult. (PG).
Good pictures
Bad pictures
Talking to your child about good pictures and bad pictures helps them understand that not everything they see online is safe or meant for them. Explain that some pictures online are safe and some are not. Good pictures make you feel comfortable and happy and are meant for children. Bad pictures can be confusing, scary, tell children that if they ever see a picture that feels wrong, they should turn away, turn it off, and tell a trusted adult right away.
Good Pictures Bad Pictures
Trust and listen to your body
Talking to your child about trusting and listening to their body helps them notice when something online or offline doesn’t feel right. Our bodies give us clues, like feeling nervous, confused, or uncomfortable, and it’s important for children to understand those signals. There body will know before they do if something is wrong.
Listen to your body
It can hurt your brain
Tell them that their brain can get hurt by seeing things online that are scary, confusing, or not meant for children.
Like when you cut or bruise yourself, your brain can also get hurt by the things it sees.
Don't let anyone take a photo of you online
Tell your child that nobody online should ask for a photo of them, it helps them understand that their identity and image is private and should be protected.